Sancerre Rouge 2023

Domaine Bernard Fleuriet & Fils is one of the most respected family estates in Sancerre, dedicated to expressing its terroir as honestly and individually as possible. The domaine was founded by Bernard Fleuriet in 1991 and has since been joined by his sons Benoît and Mathieu – together they farm 25 hectares in Sancerre and neighbouring Menetou-Salon. Viticulture is based entirely on nature-friendly principles: no synthetic pesticides, organic fertilisers and practices that meet both organic (AB) and biodynamic Demeter standards. All grapes are picked by hand, often by a team of up to 70 people, to ensure the highest quality from the vineyard onwards. What makes the domaine special is that it farms vines on all three classic Sancerre soil types – Terres Blanches (chalky clay), Caillottes (limestone gravel) and Silex (flint). This lets them make wines that are layered yet always precise expressions of their origin. In the cellar the Fleuriets use gravity and inert gases to protect the juice from oxidation. Depending on the cuvée, the wines ferment and age in concrete eggs or oak barrels – the aim is not to add flavour but to give structure and texture. Everything is geared towards purity and finesse: natural yeasts, low sulphur and long lees ageing give the wines their special character. The wines of Bernard Fleuriet & Fils – both white and red – have won a place with many sommeliers and wine lovers for their precision, minerality and length. Whether a single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc or an elegant Pinot Noir, they always reflect careful work and a strong connection to the soil.