Sancerre is probably one of the best-known wines from the Loire Valley.
And Domaine Vacheron is the elite guard of the Sancerre appellation, producing red, white and rose wines of outstanding pureness and clarity.
Established at the turn of the 20th century by Maurice Vacheron, the domaine is currently in the hands of his two great-grandchildren, Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique Vacheron.
In their 30’s, the two cousins, who inherited some of the most coveted parcels of the appellation, have not only transformed the entire domaine into biodynamic farming, but a couple of hours west of Burgundy, they are taking a more Burgundian approach to making Sancerre wines. They are vinifying parcels separately and varying blends like their counterparts in Burgundy. And, while for others in Sancerre, pinot noir is an afterthought used mostly for the roses, at Domaine Vacheron, it plays a leading role resulting in a wine that is a wonderful expression of the varietal.
The two white wines from the Domaine are the very definition of Sancerre: sauvignon blanc with wonderful minerality, crisp and clean with trademark smoky aromas that come naturally from the soil, making Sancerre impossible to imitate, even though many have tried. And the reserve from their “Les Romains” vineyard is one of the benchmarks of the white Sancerre. The rose is perfect for this time of year…bright and refreshing.
Easy to drink on their own or paired with a meal or an aperitif, you cannot go wrong with these star wines.
At Eli’s List:
Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Blanc 2013
Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Rose 2011
And at Eli’s Table:
Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Rouge 2012
