Sancerre Blanc Chambrates Vacheron 2020

Sancerre Blanc Chambrates, Domaine Vacheron, Loire, France, 2020

Grape: 100% organic & biodynamic Sauvignon Blanc from 15-25 year old vines grown on limestone over red clay at an elevation of 350m. 12 months' ageing in large wooden vats.

Located on a plateau above Le Paradis, Chambrates is a more classic example of Sancerre with abounding citrus flavours, a rich texture, and enduring mineral finish.

Over 120 years ago Maurice Vacheron, the current owners’ great-grandfather, founded a Domaine with the acquisition of a single hectare of vineyard. His descendants have worked tirelessly to acquire new plots and solidify the name of Vacheron, associating it with not just premium Sauvignon Blanc but also Pinot Noir.

The Domaine now rests in the hands of two cousins: Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique. Their time at the helm has elevated Domaine Vacheron to one of the most highly respected and admired historical producers of the Sancerre AOC.

Domaine Vacheron has been certified biodynamic since 2005. With some of the finest parcels in Sancerre, the two cousins create wines with a Burgundian approach – vinifying by terroir and blends varying from year to year. The wines come from 10-60+ year old vines, ensuring they are mineral driven, textural and express great power and tension.

One of the largest properties in Sancerre to hand harvest its fruit, Domaine Vacheron’s labour-intensive focus on quality epitomises their commitment to producing fine wine. No synthetic or chemical materials are used in the vineyards, and the only fertilizer is produced from compost piles. Yields are kept low. Fermentation is all on indigenous yeasts in a combination of stainless-steel or cement tanks and wooden, open top fermenters. Aged in either large oak casks or French oak barrels, depending on the Cru and vintage, the wines are bottled unfiltered and unfined according to the lunar cycle.

The Vacheron cousins have strong instincts for winemaking that are built atop a proud family foundation in the region. Visionaries 120 years ago, and pioneers now.