Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Les Romains 2023

Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Les Romains 2023

Domaine Vacheron is a highly-regarded producer in Sancerre, in the Loire Valley region of France. Run today by the third winemaking generation cousins, Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique, Vacheron adopted complete biodynamic practices in both the vineyard and cellar in 2005. Producing both wines from Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, they are considered to be one of the best producers in the region.

With vineyard holdings totalling almost 50 hectares (120 acres), the  change over to biodynamic practices was done to allow the distinct terroir of Sancerre to be showcased in the wines. Domaine Vacheron is planted on silex soils, which is clay and limestone based, topped off with flint.

Located in one of Sancerre’s narrow, winding streets, cousins Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique Vacheron make benchmark Sancerre from organic and biodynamically farmed single vineyards. They start with good base material, having old vines on some of the best sites, predominantly in the east of the appellation, whether it’s Les Romains (flint), Le Paradis (limestone-based), Chambrates (limestone and clay) or Guigne-Chèvres (a rare north-facing site of flint over clay-limestone), the latter is my personal favorite. The single vineyard wines are all fermented in large wooden tanks, while its straight Sancerre Blanc, a blend of parcels (limestone 45%, flint 45% and 10% marl), is fermented in tank after being hand harvested.