Location and history
The Domaine Vacheron is located in the Rue du Puits Poulton in Sancerre in Loire, France, and produces wines under the Sancerre appellation. The family estate was founded in the early 20th century by Maurice Vacheron with more than one hectare of vineyard. Jean Vacheron increased the property to three hectares; his sons Jean-Louis and Denis further developed the winery. Since the 1990s, it has been run by Jean-Laurent Vacheron and his cousin Jean-Dominique.
Viticulture and terroirs
The estate is certified for organic and biodynamic viticulture and holds the AB, Demeter and Biodyvin certifications. The grapes are hand-picked, and the vines are trained according to Guyot Poussard. Plots are selected separately and the individual named vineyards are vinified separately. The vineyards are located above the geological fault line of Sancerre and include flint, chalk and kimmeridgian marl soils. Les Romains and Belle Dame are linked to flint, Paradis, Chambrates and Guigne-Chèvres to chalk.
Wines
The white Sancerre wines are produced from Sauvignon Blanc, the reds from Pinot Noir. In addition to Sancerre Blanc and Sancerre Rouge, plot-based cuvées are produced. Documented white cuvées include Les Romains, Chambrates, Guigne-Chèvres and Le Paradis; Belle Dame is a red Pinot Noir cuvée.
Cellar
For maturation, the Domaine uses wooden barrels and wooden containers. One documented vintage was matured for 18 months in conical wooden barrels, and another cuvée in barrique. The cellar buildings include structures dating back to the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.
