Dominique et Janine Crochet
The Crochet family is synonymous with the historical village of Bué. Dominique and Janine started their Domaine in 1982 with only two hectares; they have grown the Domaine steadily ever since then, and now tend 13.5ha.
In 2009, the oldest son Teddy joined his mum at the Domaine, followed in 2013 by Cyprien who previously worked at Domaine Sauzet in Burgundy. Together the two brothers cultivate their land using sustainable farming methods, with a keen interest in biodynamic viticulture. For the past decade they used no chemicals; they will be fully certified Organic from the 2023 harvest.
The vineyards are mainly situated in Bué with 8ha mostly on limestone soil (Caillottes), complemented by 3ha in Surry en Vaux on clay (Terres Blanches), and 1 ha in Bannon on Silex. The variety of soils allows the family to produce a complete Sancerre village wine and some stunning Crus as well, each with an identity of its own.
The winery was built in 2016, allowing the family to be more precise in their work. They tend to harvest early to keep low PH, this way they can limit the use of all chemicals in the wine. There is no sulphur added at harvest time, and they favour wild yeasts. The crus are all vinified in 600L barrels, with “Le Chêne Marchand” spending 18 months on lees.
The Wines
Classical Sancerre, wonderfully aromatic in the glass. All the typical notes of orchard fruit, with elderflower, fresh grass, asparagus. For any Sancerre lover, this is a brilliant representation.
Le Grand Chemarin is a single vineyard within the Domaine’s holdings. Vinified and aged in barrel, it gives this Sauvignon Blanc wonderful structure and texture which is often hard to achieve. The fruit is is brilliantly supported by the creamy mouthfeel.
Le Chene Marchand is the Domaines answer to true complex and delicious Sauvignon Blanc. The extended time in barrel, along with the Battonage gives such finesse and balance to the wine. The vines here are some of the oldest on the Domaine, some up to 60 years old.
Solely made from Pinot Noir grape grown on Silex, this is a fine example of Sancerre Rose.
While people are genuinely starting to explore beyond Provence for Rose wines, we like how brightly fruited, slightly flinty and crunchy this wine is.
Drawn from 100% silex/flint soils, this is a blushingly beautiful wine, and it is head and shoulders above any rosé Sancerre I have tasted in years. Perfumed, dramatic, wild strawberry kissed and with a kick of acidity that rearranges your taste buds, this is not only a perfect Pinot Noir rosé, but a relative bargain, too! It will work as a fabulous aperitif but come into its own with all manner of canapés and top-flight starters. 18/20 - Matthew Jukes