Nestled in the charming village of Crézancy, just a short distance from the historic town of Sancerre, Domaine des Caves du Prieure is a small but dedicated estate producing exceptional Sancerre wines. This region, world-renowned for its crisp and aromatic Sauvignon Blancs, carries a deep history rooted in its diverse soils and winemaking traditions.
Before the devastating phylloxera outbreak in the 1860s, the hills around Sancerre were mostly planted with Gamay and Pinot Noir. However, when replanting began, Sauvignon Blanc emerged as the resilient star, becoming the defining grape of the region and earning Sancerre its own appellation status in 1936. The unique terroir of Sancerre, with its complex blend of chalk, limestone, and silex (flint) soils, imparts a distinctive minerality and subtle smoky nuances to the wines, making them instantly recognizable and cherished by wine lovers worldwide.
At Domaine des Caves du Prieuré, the focus is on respect for the land and a commitment to sustainable viticulture. The estate’s soils, formed over millions of years, are carefully nurtured to maintain their vitality and natural balance. The vineyard floors are covered with spontaneous grass and native flora, managed thoughtfully to support the health of the vines throughout their growth cycle. Since 2019, the estate has been transitioning towards organic farming, avoiding insecticides and relying only on simple, natural treatments like copper and sulfur to protect the vines.
The guiding hands behind the estate are Gilles Guillerault, son of the original founders, and his partner Sébastien Fargette. Gilles, with formal training and experience gained at prestigious wineries beyond Sancerre, now leads the vineyard management with precision and passion. Sébastien, whose background includes work in Beaujolais with some of its most respected producers, complements Gilles’ expertise with deep knowledge of winemaking, ensuring quality and rigor at every stage of production. Together, their collaboration balances tradition with innovation, driving the estate’s consistent excellence.
The vineyard itself spans 15 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc, planted across a mosaic of soil types— from the shallow, friable clay-limestone, to the pebbly limestone, and the heavier, more structured clay-limestone. These variations create a rich tapestry of flavors: the friable and pebbly soils produce wines that are bright, aromatic, and approachable in their youth, while the more structured soils offer more robust and complex wines that benefit from additional aging.
Domaine des Caves du Prieuré captures the essence of Sancerre through wines that are fresh, mineral-driven, and vibrant, reflecting the terroir’s diversity and the estate’s commitment to sustainable, authentic winemaking. Their wines are a true celebration of the Loire Valley’s heritage and a testament to the skill and care that go into every bottle.
