Sancerre blanc “Le Paradis” AOC 2020

The cousins Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique Vacheron have been working organically for many years, but only became biodynamically certified in 2007. This step was the logical consequence of the uncompromising quality thinking of the two, who have the grapes from the 47-hectare domaine all picked by hand.

The Le Paradis site is located on a south-facing slope with red clay and Jura limestone. The vines are on average 40 years old, the must is fermented spontaneously and then aged for ten months in Stockinger barrels.

Bright lemon yellow with silver reflections.

The 2020 Le Paradis from Domaine Vacheron shows its usual citrusy side on the nose and is reminiscent of lemon oil, grapefruit, lemon balm and lemongrass. The rather warm overall expression is perfectly captured by the slightly flinty reduction. The white flowers of elderberry and the cedary aromas of the finest white pepper in the top note are complemented by a little brook mint and oyster shell along with chalky-chalky notes.

On the palate, it is a haptic experience that makes the flavours of the nose seem like secondary ornaments. Straightforward and puristic, it has not an ounce of flab on its ribs, but instead flows over the palate in a sinewy, sparse and highly animating manner. The broadly stretched acidity orchestrates the overall appearance, fuelled by the salty minerality that accompanies it into the minty cool finish. Epochal reverberation!