Created in the early 1930’s by Francois and Simone Laloue, the family farm then grew grapes, grain and tobacco and raised livestock. In 1960, their son Serge took charge of the small plots of vines to concentrate on viticulture and winemaking. Today, the certified organic domaine is run by Serge’s children, Franck, the winemaker since 1990, and Christine. The Serge Laloue Domaine is located in Thauvenay, the estate is 20+ hectares in the Sancerre AOC planted 75% to Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Pinot Noir. It’s also important to note that the winery has been certified organic since 2019. The winery also practices sustainable agriculture.
What makes this particular Sancerre special it is a cuvee comprised of 3 different soil types. Stony and limestone based, Caillottes are located mid-slope, where they encourage early ripening of fruit. At the top of the slopes, you’ll find siliceous clay, which lends the wine mineral notes, reminiscent of gunflint. And at the slope’s bottom the soil is iron-rich and sandy with few stones. Here the terroir yields wines of great aromatic finesse that develops floral and fruity notes. In December 2008, Franck and Christine became tenant farmers in the Cul de Beaujeu vineyard, located in the commune of Chavignol, where there is 1ha of Sauvignon Blanc planted to Kimmeridgian terres blanches on a 45º slope.
Tasting Notes: The expressive and delicate nose blends aromas of citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit), redcurrant which take on exotic nuances with passion fruit on aeration. The nose is complex and enriches after opening with minty, mineral (slate) notes. The attack is frank, the mouth offers a beautiful fleshy. Fruit enlivens the whole (orange wedge, lemon), with a long return to passion fruit. Floral notes (rose petals) ensure a beautiful finish and bring an airy touch.