Description
Domaine Vacheron is a producer located in Sancerre, in the Loire Valley region of France. Run today by third generation brothers Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique Vacheron, in 2005 the brothers adopted complete biodynamic practices in both the vineyard and cellar. Producing both Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, they are considered to be one of the best producers in Sancerre.
A significant reason why the brothers wanted to change over to biodynamic practices was 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. This type of soil gives the wines a particular minerality and saltiness, as well as a trademark smoky quality. The parcels the Vacheron brothers own in the “Les Romains” and “Belle Dame” vineyards are particularly known for this.
Tasting Notes
Vacheron’s red 2021 Sancerre opens with an intense, spicy, well-concentrated, still somewhat untamed and smoky, reductive and fleshy bouquet of ripe black cherries, berries, chocolate and pepper. Full-bodied, intense and juicy on the palate, with silky tannins, this is a seamless Pinot Noir with lingering freshness, grip and salinity as well as dark forest fruits and bitter orange notes in the retronasal olfaction. This is an excellent and refreshing Sancerre rouge that already drinks perfectly well.
