Joseph Mellot: the Sancerre countryside as coat of arms This is Sancerre, an exceptional region of Centre-Loire, ideal for Sauvignon to prosper and for making one of the world's greatest white wines, from which the Joseph Mellot Domain draws its heritage and its strength. Pierre- Etienne Mellot certainly could not have imagined that, in 1513, he would be the first link in a great wine- growing story! Wine-maker by trade, he laid the foundations of a small vineyard at Sancerre, that every generation has since been able to preserve, enhance and improve. So the Mellot family can proudly assert that they have always made wine! And few domains in France can claim such a heritage. The Domain is well- respected for the consistent quality of its wines and has seen significant growth since the 1980s. At that time it covered 50 hectares with precious plots located on the best hillsides. Already well-known in France for the quality of its wines, it is going to spread to the world's best tables, as a credible Ambassador for Sancerre. In 20 years, it will have doubled its size – it now covers more than 100 hectares - and will extend its vineyard into one of the great 'appellations' of the Centre-Loire, such as Pouilly-Fumé, Ménetou-Salon, Quincy, Reuilly or the most confidential but very authentic Coteaux-du-Giennois. Spectacular, masterful progress that is owed to Catherine Corbeau-Mellot, one of the great French ladies of wine. Today, Joseph Mellot, first French Domaine in the Centre-Loire to have obtained ISO 14001 certification, is growing its vines using Sustainable Agriculture. Unanimously hailed as a French reference standard for its elegant and mineral wines as much as for the values it conveys: integrity, respect for the environment, loyalty to the region, today the domain can be found in 47 countries and is well- established in Scandinavia as well as in Asian markets