Sancerre 2023 | Domaine du Nozay

A distinctive Sancerre from a biodynamic estate with a cult following worldwide. Certified biodynamic since 2017, ‘let nature do its work’ is the motto at Domaine du Nozay. Here, vigneron Cyril de Benoist believes in letting the grapes express their terroir, by minimising additions throughout the growing and winemaking process.

Fruit coming from a four-hectare parcel of 18 to 21 year old Sauvignon Blanc vines, planted on classic terres blanches — the Kimmeridgian clay-limestone marls that sit just above the estate’s cellar, facing the village of Sancerre.

The grapes are hand-harvested and pressed as whole clusters in a pneumatic press. Fermentation takes place in round stainless-steel tanks that encourage a natural vortex, using only native yeasts, followed by a natural malolactic fermentation. The wine then ages for a minimum of six months on lees. It is made entirely without added sulphites and is bottled unfiltered and unfined.