Sauvignon Blanc Not As You Know It

Le Clos de Beaujeu is one of Boulay’s thoroughbred historic sites. Boulay farms two parcels in this terroir, including one within the original clos, established by the monks of Beaujeu in the Middle Ages. This parcel is historically known as Le Grand Clos. For this reason, Boulay names this wine Clos de Beaujeu rather than the more ubiquitous Cul de Beaujeu. In his book Le Vignoble de Chavignol, Thibaut Boulay notes that this vineyard first appears in documents dating to 1328 as the Clausus de Bellojoco, indicating this terroir’s age-old origins.

Vines on this slope of Kimmeridgian limestone and clay (terre blanches) sit between 30 and (a remarkable) 110 years old. The soils here are particularly rocky—limestone-rich and strewn with fossils—making this parcel difficult to farm. A second, even steeper parcel at a 60% gradient lies closer to the village. These southeast-facing Clos de Beaujeu plots grow some of the domaine’s most structured, verdant and nervy wines. This cuvée ferments spontaneously and rests in large, upright cask (60%) and three- and four-year-old 300-litre barrels (40%) for 10 months.

Ideally located on the slopes of the town "Capian", overlooking the Garonne, Château La Chèze is a property of 30 hectares with 10 hectares currently planted with vines. It was built by the Lord of "La Chèze" in 1515.

Known for its commitment to quality, the estate produces elegant wines from a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc for reds, and Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris for whites. The wines reflect the region's unique terroir and climate, offering rich flavours, balanced structure, and finesse.

With a focus on organic practices, Château La Chèze embodies the spirit of Bordeaux, delivering wines that showcase both tradition and excellence at fantastic value for money.

The nose is fresh and expressive with citrus, gooseberry, passionfruit, and subtle grassy notes, layered over a delicate flinty minerality. The palate is medium-bodied and refreshing, with lively acidity and a persistent, elegant finish that speaks clearly of its terroir.

The Louis family has been rooted in Thauveney-en-Sancerrois since 1860, with Eric Louis now leading the 10-hectare domaine on the south-eastern side of Sancerre. His philosophy combines respect for tradition with a sustainable approach, crafting wines that are both true to place and charmingly approachable.This come from holiding in and around the Loire Valley’s Pouilly-Fumé appellation.