The picturesque, medieval village of Sancerre lies in the far east of the vast Loire Valley within the Central Vineyards sub-region. This legendary appellation is actually closer in terms of geography and soil composition to that of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or—hence, the remarkable Pinot Noir that is currently pouring out of the appellation. Domaine Vacheron’s estate, overlooking the village, is advantageously perched along the verdant eastern edge of Sancerre, and boasts a remarkable confluence of the famed appellation’s minerality. Their silex soils are comprised of a tantalizing combination of flint and sandstone that lies over a bed of Kimmeridgian limestone; these soils are reminiscent of Burgundy, but lend an additional, irreplicable layer of silex minerality to the complexity in the glass. Passionately upholding Domaine Vacheron’s incredible legacy are third-generation winemakers, vignerons and cousins, Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique Vacheron, who took the reins of this world-famous domaine from their fathers. After extensive study around the world, the cousins returned to their hometown and family’s winery.

 

While Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique’s fathers had always practiced natural winemaking techniques, it was the cousins who passionately pushed for organic and biodynamic certification, which was granted in 2003 and 2004. With already superb terroir on the estate, their practice of strict organic and biodynamic practices pushes the envelope for quality and further translates this magical sense of place with every taste. This dedicated work in the vineyards beautifully transmits the ethereal essence of the silex and limestone soils in such a truly profound way and has resulted in an even more pronounced level of energy and focus to their wines. The pristine Belle Dame is derived from 40+-year-old vines rooted on a steep, southeastern-facing hillside. Some of the oldest vines in Sancerre, this special parcel delivers a finished product of ample concentration and a distinct, unadulterated voice of terroir. The hand-harvested fruit is fermented in stainless steel then aged for a year in barrique where it completes malolactic fermentation. The wine is then transferred to large, wooden cuve where it ages an additional six months prior to bottling. After bottle age in the cellar, this wine is then released an impressive four years following its harvest. The result is a Pinot Noir that will make you wonder why you’re paying Burgundian prices when Sancerre Rouge is this awe-inspiring!

 

The 2012 Belle Dame exhibits a dark, concentrated red core with slight ruby red and light garnet reflections throughout and displays just a touch of oranging on the rim. The perfumed nose has a feminine power with abundant fruit, a savory and Sancerre minerality that combines for an intense and uniquely perfect expression of Pinot Noir. Slightly dried strawberry, black cherry and a hint of tart raspberry merge with delicate aromas of dried roses, a hint of soy, white pepper, tree bark and crushed limestone that is primed to take flight on the palate. Nearly full-bodied for a Pinot Noir, the rich and structured palate delivers thriving berry fruit, earth and savory nuances and a mineral-driven finish that seems to never end. This wine is absolutely sublime, but is only just beginning to soften up and show its vast potential. In 3-4 years its true beauty will outshine many great Burgundian examples on the market. For optimal results, open 2-3 hours prior and allow this wine to slowly open up in the cellar or decant for 30 minutes if pressed for time. This structured Pinot Noir can handle quite substantial pairings; so feel free to be bold. We recommend these highly addictive, traditional pork rillettes, which have been a staple of the Loire Valley since the 15th century.