Domaine Mardon

The vineyards of the Loire Valley make for a vast, fragmented region with over 45 different AOCs. Many interesting Loire Valley appellations are either little-known—or almost classified information. The isolated appellation of Quincy, located near Reuilly, 75 km to the west of Sancerre, is considered to be part of the Loire Centre AOC for administrative reasons. The wine craftsmen in these appellations generally do not garner much publicity. Since 2002, Helen Mamoux-Mardon has been running this nearly two centuries-old domaine. Their white wine sold at the SAQ is a sauvignon blanc with understandably less complexity than a Sancerre, but its daintiness and affordability make it an unbeatable choice. The wine is consistently delicious—as the wide range of awards and mentions in the best wine guides can attest.