Chais Saint-Laurent Sancerre 'Les Varennes du Clos' Sauvignon Blanc, Loire Valley, France

Elegant and precise, the 2024 Les Varennes du Clos Sancerre from Chais Saint-Laurent showcases the classic vibrancy of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc with the artisanal stamp of Domaine Vacheron. Crafted through a collaboration with cousins Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique Vacheron, renowned for their biodynamic farming and benchmark Sancerre bottlings, this cuvée balances accessibility with pedigree. The 2024 vintage delivered steady ripening and fresh aromatics, producing a wine of crystalline fruit, mineral drive, and refined finesse.

Product Details:

• Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• ABV: 12.5%
• Soils: Chalky limestone and clay typical of the appellation
• Vinification: Cold-fermented in stainless steel to preserve clarity; no oak aging
• Production: Export-focused cuvée crafted with Vacheron oversight
• Winemakers/Owners: Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique Vacheron

Sensory Description:

Pale straw with green reflections, the wine opens with aromas of lime zest, pink grapefruit, and lemon peel, layered with white peach, green pear, and delicate notes of acacia blossom and elderflower. Subtle hints of nettle and fresh-cut grass add complexity. On the palate, lively acidity frames citrus and orchard fruits, while a sleek mineral backbone reflects the chalky soils of Sancerre. The finish is long, saline, and elegant, showing the precision and clarity for which Vacheron is known.

Winemaker's Background:

Chais Saint-Laurent, part of Les Grands Chais de Saint Laurent, created the Les Varennes du Clos label to highlight Loire Valley terroirs with consistent quality. What sets this cuvée apart is its collaboration with Domaine Vacheron, an estate revered for its biodynamic farming and benchmark wines. Guided by cousins Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique Vacheron, this partnership bridges traditional Sancerre artistry with broader availability, offering a wine rooted in authenticity and craft.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve well-chilled at 48–52°F in a tall white wine glass to emphasize its aromatics and mineral character. Perfect with Loire Valley goat cheese such as Crottin de Chavignol, it also pairs beautifully with oysters, grilled white fish, lemon-herb chicken, and spring vegetables like asparagus or pea risotto. Best enjoyed within 1–3 years for optimal freshness, although its structure allows for graceful aging of up to five years.

The 2024 Les Varennes du Clos Sancerre delivers an elegant balance of fruit, freshness, and minerality, reflecting both the character of the region and the precision of Domaine Vacheron’s touch.