Henri Bourgeois, Les Baronnes, Sancerre, France 2022

“Les Baronnes” is typical of the Sancerre appellation and the Domaine Henri Bourgeois style  The vineyards are located in the hills and ridges separating the village of Chavignol from Sancerre, and grow upon soils composed of clay and limestone (65% clay and 35% chalk).

In order to preserve and develop its aromatic potential, this fine wine is fermented in thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks at 15 – 18°C (59 – 64.4 °F). It is then matured on its fine lees at cool temperature during 5 months before bottling.

Famille Bourgeois, now in its 11th generation, covers 72 hectares of the esteemed Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé appellations. Brought to fruition by Henri Bourgeois over 50 years ago, the vineyards lie on some of the most rugged hillside terrains, offering the best exposures in the Loire Valley.

From cultivating two hectares on the slopes of Chavignol, he took the audacious step in the 1950s of concentrating on his vines in an as yet unknown area. His sons, Jean-Marie and Rémi, joined him in the 1960s and continued the adventure. They discovered new terroirs, bought land, developed partnerships with other Sancerre families, and turned themselves into ambassadors for Sancerre’s reputation in France, then abroad.

Today, Arnaud, Lionel, and Jean-Christophe Bourgeois are just as much the heirs of those men as the initiators of the future of the vines and wines of the house. Though the family is forever striving to perfect their craft, they remain committed to Henri’s original viticultural vision of showcasing the purity of the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes and the unique beauty of the Loire Valley.