Domaine Laporte 'Le Rochoy', Sancerre, Loire Valley, France 2023

Domaine Laporte is the result of a perfect blending of two renowned Sancerre families. Founded in 1850 in the village of Saint-Satur, Domaine Laporte was run for decades in the mid-20th century by René Laporte. A visionary chair of the Sancerre appellation for 20 years, René was a pioneer in producing low-yield, characterful Sancerre during a time when many others in the region were focusing on quantity over quality. Then, in 1986, well-known winegrower from Chavignol Henri Bourgeois purchased the domaine from René, keeping the old vineyard, cellar and house and maintaining the excellent reputation.

Now under the watchful eyes of Henri's two grandsons, Arnaud and Cedric Bourgeois, Domaine Laporte is one of the most highly respected estates in the Loire Valley. It consists of more than 74 acres, and the flagship Sancerre comes from one of the finest vineyards in the appellation, Domaine du Rochoy, a 10-hectare vineyard carved out of the flint hillside overlooking the Loire River, that is the only monopole in the appellation.

Laporte is a certified organic producer and the wine here is made in a very traditional, natural way, employing organic methods and always ensuring a sense of purity and excellence. With the different cuvées, the Bourgeois are able to explore the different expressions of Sancerre, all to very appealing effect. 

• Winemaker: Arnaud and Cedric Bourgeois
  
• Farming: Sustainable and Organic
  
• Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
  
• Terroir: From the prestigious Domaine du Rochoy vineyard, an organically farmed 10-hectare slope overlooking the Loire river, in the commune of Bannay.

  Le Rochoy is a unique hillside in the Sancerrois region. It was once a Gallo- Roman quarry called "Rochetum". The flint stones that litter the ground store up heat during the day and release it at night. The flinty subsoil gives this cuvée all its minerality. The grapes ripen quickly, producing an exceptional Sancerre Blanc.

• Vinification/Aging: Fermented and aged in stainless steel with indigenous yeast, matured for five months on fine lees. No malolactic fermentation. The wine matures for at least one additional month in bottle before being released.

• Tasting Note: Pale gold in color with silver highlights, and offering crystal-clear clarity, the nose features iodine and mineral aromas reminiscent of its flint-rich terroir, while notes of passion fruit add an exotic touch. Le Rochoy surprises on the palate, with an elegant structure that combines roundness and liveliness, and opens with a subtle salinity. Pair with lobster papillotes, chicken with citrus marinades, or scallop carpaccio.