There are three main types of soil in Sancerre: Silex (flint), caillottes (pure, pebbly limestone), and terres blanches (clay and limestone marl, similar to Burgundy). Each gives distinct nuances, though in the vast majority of cases Sancerre bottlings contain a mix of some or all of these soils. Not for “Les Romains,” the first single-vineyard wine that the Vacheron cousins produced. This parcel faces due south, and is planted on a bedrock of pure silex. This makes for a wine of boundless energy, precision, and age-ability. 

Certified since 2005, Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique were relatively early adopters of biodynamic viticulture, and their natural approach is reflected in the purity and pulsating energy of their wines. They plow their soils, fertilize with natural compost, plant cover crops between the rows of vines, and hand-harvest much smaller yields than their neighbors. The pristine grapes are gently pressed then fermented with only natural yeasts in large wooden tanks. Upon completion, the wine is racked and aged in wood for one year before bottling without filtration.

Vacheron’s 2022 “Les Romains” is a luxurious, high-impact wine that’s built to age: In the glass, it’s a classic straw-yellow with hints of green at the rim. It’s rich and deeply aromatic with powerful aromas of guava, gooseberry, green mango, fleshy white peach, Makrut lime, grapefruit zest, candied green apple, wild herbs, white pepper, saffron, and warm spices. The palate is medium-plus in body and loaded with ripe, supple textures that expand in all directions as the wine takes on more air. We recommend starting with a 30-minute decant before tracking your bottle over the course of an evening (or two). Cheers!