Domaine Vacheron : Belle Dame 2022

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for the 2022 Sancerre "Belle Dame" from Domaine Vacheron

Tasting

Color
The color reveals a luminous pale ruby hue with lovely transparency.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet opens with expressive notes of red fruits such as morello cherry, raspberry and redcurrant. It is then enriched with nuances of undergrowth, wild herbs and sweet spices, all underscored by a characteristic minerality reminiscent of gunflint.

Palate
With a texture that is both velvety and precise, the palate reveals silky, fine and elegant tannins. A pleasant chalky, mineral tension balances beautifully with lovely freshness, leading into a long, vibrant finish marked by subtle saline and spicy touches.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs wonderfully with roasted poultry such as duck breast or pigeon, as well as mushroom-based dishes like risotto. It will also enhance red meats such as bavette steak, autumn-spiced game, Japanese cuisine, or a soft, aged cheese such as Brie de Meaux.

Service and storage

To fully appreciate the 2022 Sancerre "Belle Dame", it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 17°C, after aerating for about thirty minutes. This wine can be enjoyed from 2025 and will continue to evolve favorably until around 2037.

Other characteristics

This wine's alcohol content is 13% vol.

The pure, mineral expression of a great red Sancerre

The estate

Founded in the early 20th century by Maurice Vacheron, Domaine Vacheron is a key reference in the Loire Valley. Initially made up of just one hectare, the estate now spans nearly fifty hectares. Currently run by cousins Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique Vacheron, the family estate stands out for its pioneering approach and deep commitment to natural viticulture. As the first estate in its appellation to obtain biodynamic certification in 2006, it brilliantly combines respect for tradition, the enhancement of terroir and excellence, all within the heart of the medieval town.

The vineyard

The plot from which this wine originates is located on the renowned terroirs of the Sancerre appellation. Planted in 1990, the roughly fifty-year-old vines thrive on steep slopes with soils composed exclusively of flint. Benefiting from an ideal southeast exposure and a continental climate moderated by the river, the vineyard is cultivated according to strict biodynamic principles. The soils are maintained through mechanical hoeing and natural cover cropping, while the harvest is carried out entirely by hand.

The vintage

2022 offered particularly favorable weather conditions in the region. The growing season began with adequate rainfall early on, followed by warmer, drier weather as harvest approached. This climate allowed the berries to reach optimal physiological ripeness while retaining lovely natural acidity.

Winemaking and aging

The 2022 Sancerre "Belle Dame" is made without any synthetic additives, relying solely on indigenous yeasts from the plot. The process takes place in the estate's historic cellars, carved into limestone rock between the 15th and 17th centuries, offering perfect temperature and humidity conditions for crafting this wine.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir