The Lauverjat family has been growing grapes in Sancerre for generations in the tiny village of Sury-en-Vaux. Husband-and-wife team Christian and Karine have 12-hectares of vines in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume. They have made improvements over the years, including a transition to sustainable viticulture. They favor working the soil and use a seaweed to combat disease, reducing chemical intervention to minimal mildew treatment. They grow grass in the rows to prevent erosion. No pesticides or herbicides are used. In the cellar the whites are made in thermo-regulated tanks and the reds are made in large wooden conical tanks. Several years ago, they invested in a new clay filtration system that allows them to very gently filter the wines without stripping them of their character. In 2009, having completed his oenological studies at Beaune, their son Kevin joined his parents in running the family winery. The wines from Lauverjat undoubtedly represent some of the best values to be had from the appellation.

The Wines

Menetou-Salon, Moulin de Vrilleres: Just southwest of Sancerre on the Cher, this small appellation (830 acres) produces ripe, complex Sauv Blancs (as well as rare red and rose wines from Pinot Noir). Lauverjat’s, from 25 year old vines grown on calcareous soils of Upper Jurassic age, is mineral-driven and complex with a long finish of wet stone and grapefruit. Like all their whites, fermented and aged in Inox.

Pouilly Fume, Moulin de Vrilleres: Located just across the Loire River from Sancerre, the soil here has river deposits and Portlandian limestone adjoining the Kimmeridgian limestone. The red flint common in the Pouilly limestones is known to add smokey notes to the wine - thus the “fume” in the appellation. Fermented and aged in stainless steel prior to light filtration and bottling.

Sancerre, Moulin de Vrilleres: From thirty year-old vines grown in a clay-limestone soil predominantly in Sury-en-Vaux. Fermented and aged in stainless steel, spending a total of three months on the lees before light clay filtration and bottling.

Sancerre “Perle Blanche” Vieilles Vignes: From a parcel of 55-year-old vines on fossil-bearing lime-rich clay soils. Bright and refined with notes of gooseberry, lime blossoms, chalky soil, and a light hint of fresh-cut grass. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, focused and zesty, with a lovely core of ripe fruit, excellent mineral drive and cut, vibrant acids and a long, complex and very well balanced finish. Superb.