Vacheron

About Domaine Vacheron

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.

Sancerre Blanc 2021

Silex (flint), Limestone, Marl. Four months in tank. 300m elevation. 30-50 year old vines.

With cellars located in the historic centre of Sancerre, Domaine Vacheron have vineyards primarily in the hard, flinty soils of Sancerre as wells as smaller holdings on softer limestone and clay soils. Vacheron’s ‘Village’ Sancerre is a combination of both terroirs, resulting in a subtly mineral and wholly satisfying wine.

Sancerre Blanc ‘Les Romains’ 2020

Silex (flint). Twelve months in neutral French oak barrels. 320m elevation. 60+ year old vines.

The oldest parcel in the Domaine’s possession, the flint terroir combines with the old vines to impart a truly distinctive flavour profile.

Limestone, Clay, Marl. Twelve months in wooden vats. 20+ year old vines.

Planted in 1990, this east-facing vineyard produces wine with great purity and definition. After being racked, it spends twelve months in the same tank.

Sancerre Blanc ‘Chambrates’ 2019

Limestone, Red Clay. Twelve months in wooden vats. 350m elevation. 15-25 year old vines.

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.

Sancerre Rouge 2019

Silex (flint), Limestone, Marl. Eighteen months in foudres and neutral French oak barrels. 300m elevation. 30-50 year old vines.

The wine sets an incredibly high bar for Sancerre rouge, if not Pinot Noir in the entire Loire Valley.

Sancerre Rouge ‘Les Marnes’ 2015

Limestone, Clay. Twelve months in French oak barrels then twelve months in 25hL oak casks. 300m elevation. 50 year old vines.

A selection of estate vines from a southeast facing vineyard with a mix of loamy, clay-rich soils full of ancient seashells. This special, rare terroir is known as ‘Marne de Crétacée’.