Sancerre Vacheron/Cotat

Two of the most esteemed producers of Sancerre, Francois Cotat and Domaine Vacheron are on offer today.  Despite both being from the same region they produce two distinctly different styles of Sauvignon Blanc, mostly attributed to the soils in which they’re grown. The wines produced from Vacheron are sleek, precise and polished in comparison to the traditional, more rustic, terroir-driven style of Francois Cotat. 

Cotat works with vineyards located on some of the steepest slopes in Chavignol, one of the most highly regarded areas of Sancerre. It is known for its Kimmeridgian limestone soils typical for Chablis and surrounding areas, and the wines reflect the distinct minerality of this terroir.  Cotat prefers to harvest on the later side, allowing the Sauvignon grapes to fully ripen, which yields a wine with more texture and fullness than you would typically see from Sauvignon Blanc produced in Sancerre. Francois Cotat’s wines are known for their ability to age, often needing 10+ years to develop secondary and tertiary notes, becoming richer and more complex with age.

Domaine Vacheron, on the other hand is a certified biodynamic producer that turns out Sancerre with immense precision and clarity. I very much like this style as it is clean, focused and laser sharp, always with a nice balance between the fruit and acidity. The wines are aged mostly in stainless steel or neutral oak to maintain the freshness and vibrancy. I find these wines to be very pleasing to those of us that love an elegant, focused Sauvignon that can be enjoyed on the earlier side without sacrificing any of the tart flavors that make Sauvignon such a versatile choice.