Domaine des Chasseignes
Sury en Vaux | Loire ValleyAurore Dezat comes from a long line of vine growers in the Loire Valley, and is the fourth generation of her clan to grow grapes and make wine in Sancerre. The family estate is based in Sury en Vaux, in the northernmost corner of the Sancerre appellation, an area that benefits from a rich variety of soils perfectly suited for world-class Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines.
The estate was founded in the early 1900s by Aurore’s great-grandfather Alphonse, starting as a multiuse farm that cultivated grain and grapes. Alphonse’s son Marcel had the foresight to plant vines on a broad, south-facing hill called Les Chasseignes, today one of Sancerre’s more cherished vineyards and the pearl of this excellent estate. The following generation turned away from general farming to focus exclusively on grape growing, further expanding their holdings around Sury-en-Vaux. In 2011 Aurore finally took control of the domaine, conscious of both the weight of family history and the domaine’s limitless potential that she felt had yet to be truly achieved.
Together with her husband David Girard (who joined her at the estate in 2016), Domaine des Chasseignes is now certified organic and crafting three exceptional single-vineyard Sancerre Blanc wines, bottles that put the estate’s extraordinary terroir center stage. ‘Les Chasseignes,’ with its full southern exposure, is the most expressive and bold Sauvignon of the trio; ‘Les Montaignes,’ in contrast, showcases a dazzling vibrancy and electric energy, given its cool exposition; and ‘Les Démalés’ is structured and refined, a Sauvignon Blanc for the cellar that will delight for years to come.
We are especially pleased with the estate’s very limited Sancerre Rouge, a suave and savory Pinot Noir grown exclusively on flint or “silex” soils. Here a salty minerality comes together effortlessly with rich and ripe, cherry-red fruit.
FARMING & WINEMAKING
The family estate totals 23 acres, around 20 acres of Sauvignon Blanc and around 3 acres of Pinot Noir. Three different, classic soils are represented in the estate’s holdings: the “terres blanches,” or chalky limestone best known as Kimmeridgian, similar to in Chablis; “caillotes,” or stony limestone and clay; and “silex” or flint stone.
Vineyards are cared for according to organic principles, and the estate is certified as of the 2023 harvest. Aurore and David plow their fields and use cover crops to control weeds and increase biodiversity in the vineyards.
Harvesting is done by hand; grapes are gently pressed in a pneumatic press and fermentations happen on indigenous yeasts in a range of containers, including temperature-controlled stainless steel and oak tanks, as well as oak cask and clay amphora.
Sancerre Blanc
A delightfully juicy and fresh Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre’s most classic terroir: the pure chalky limestone “terres blanches” and stony “caillotes.” The essence of the soils comes through as notes of crushed stones and sea salt; flavors of lemon curd and fresh pineapple mix with light herbs and a shake of white pepper. An overachieving Sancerre Blanc that demands good company and a generous charcuterie plate.
Sancerre Blanc 'Les Chasseignes'
‘Les Chasseignes’ is the cornerstone of this multigenerational estate, the first vineyard the Dezat family planted and a shining star of the appellation. Facing full south, this wine is a pleasure bomb of rich white fruit and tropical notes; fresh pineapple and white peach are made lofty and juicy with a touch of sea salt and crushed oyster shell. Just the treat alongside a creamy lemon pasta or a whole grilled river fish with fresh herbs.
Sancerre Blanc 'Les Montaignes'
‘Les Montaignes’ evokes Alpine peaks and fresh river breezes; this vibrant and electric Sauvignon Blanc hails from a cooler exposition, refining and finessing aromas and flavors that deliver energy in every sip. This is your oyster wine, par excellence; the needed pick-me-up after a long day at the office. Added texture is aided by a slow maturation on fine lees in clay amphora, for a very pleasurable Sauvignon Blanc that will delight.
Sancerre Blanc ‘Les Démalés’
‘Les Démalés’ sits just to the north of ‘Les Chasseignes,’ and shares a similar southern exposition. Here older vines feed from pure “terres blanches” soils, giving this Sauvignon Blanc a touch of Chablisien energy, a cut and poise that carries from your first sip until your very last. Mostly tank aged to retain all that electric freshness.
Sancerre Rouge
A lovely, lively Pinot Noir grown on flinty soils, for a red that promises pleasure and energy in equal measure. Red cherry and plum, a bouquet of spring blossoms and just enough grip to keep things lip-smacking and alive.
Established: 1900s
Winemakers: David Girard
Region: France • Loire Valley • Sury en Vaux
Vineyard size: 23 acres
CERTIFIED ORGANIC
