Wines Sancerre Domaine Vacheron - Sancerre La Reine Blanche - 2022

Domaine Vacheron's 2022 Sancerre "La Reine Blanche" is an expression of classic Loire Valley white winemaking, hailing from the renowned subregion of Les vignobles du Centre. While Sancerre is almost invariably crafted from Sauvignon Blanc, regional variations and individual philosophies play a significant role in shaping its character. The 2022 vintage follows a period of favourable ripening conditions, yielding wines that tend to combine freshness, aromatic purity, and well-balanced acidity. Domaine Vacheron is recognised for their organic and biodynamic approach, favouring careful vineyard management and gentle vinification to showcase the unique profile of their terroirs. "La Reine Blanche" likely draws from limestone-rich soils, known locally as "caillottes," which are celebrated for imparting energy, precision, and mineral complexity to the wines.

The Sancerre region, located in the eastern part of the Loire Valley, benefits from a semi-continental climate with marked temperature swings between day and night, contributing to the grape’s bright acidity and aromatic intensity. The soils range from chalk and flint (silex) to marl and limestone, each bringing subtle nuances to the finished wine. Sancerre's winegrowing history dates back several centuries, with the area long famed for its crisp, food-friendly whites. Today, Sancerre is synonymous with elegance and a vivid portrayal of its terroir, upheld by dedicated producers like the Vacheron family.

The brisk minerality and citrus-laced freshness typical of Sancerre white pairs beautifully with seafood—consider freshly shucked oysters, seared scallops or a classic Loire goat’s cheese such as Crottin de Chavignol. Lighter poultry dishes, spring vegetables, and herb-driven salads are also fine companions, while regional dishes like rillettes de poisson or a simple chèvre frais on crusty bread make delightful matches.

For the best tasting experience, serve "La Reine Blanche" well-chilled but not icy cold, ideally between 8-10°C. Allowing the wine a little time in the glass as it gently warms will let its delicate aromas and textural nuances fully unfurl.