Les Vignes de Chavignol 2022 Vincent Gaudry

Vincent Gaudry – Sancerre “Les Vignes de Chavignol” 2022

Overview

The Sancerre “Les Vignes de Chavignol” 2022 by Vincent Gaudry is a refined and deep Pinot Noir crafted from 60-year-old vines rooted in clay-limestone and Kimmeridgian marl soils. This elegant red reveals a dark ruby color with lively tears. The nose opens delicately, first with meaty nuances, then evolving toward blackberry fruit, spice, and subtle oak notes. The palate is rounded and creamy, supported by gentle, well-integrated tannins. A wine of energy and restraint, reflecting Gaudry’s biodynamic mastery and the timeless soul of Chavignol.

Wine History

This cuvée embodies the intimate link between Vincent Gaudry’s savoir-faire and the historical vineyards of Chavignol. Known for his exceptional Sauvignon Blancs, Gaudry also reveals the finesse of Pinot Noir grown on ancient Sancerre parcels, some over six decades old. His approach respects tradition while aiming for purity and balance, showcasing a wine that combines depth, elegance, and expression of terroir.

Vineyard Philosophy

The vineyards are farmed using certified biodynamic methods (Demeter), enhancing biodiversity and soil vitality. Each step — from pruning to manual harvest — is guided by natural rhythms and lunar cycles. The old vines, growing on clay-limestone and marl soils, produce small, concentrated berries that express minerality, tension, and aromatic precision. Low yields ensure exceptional fruit quality, translating into purity and balance in the glass.

Winemaking Approach

Gaudry vinifies the grapes as whole clusters, allowing gentle extraction and refined tannins. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts. The wine then matures for 12 months in oak barrels and an additional 6 months in stainless steel, gaining structure and stability. This process preserves the authenticity of the fruit and the integrity of the terroir, creating a Pinot Noir that is creamy, vibrant, and gracefully long-lived.

Tasting Notes and Pairings

Color: deep ruby with garnet reflections.
Nose: delicate yet expressive, with black fruits, fine spices, and subtle woody undertones.
Palate: smooth, round, and elegant, with silky tannins and a persistent, savory finish.
Perfect with charcuterie, terrines, game dishes, foie gras, rare red meats, and traditional French aspics. Best opened the day before and served at 16–18°C.

Technical Sheet

• Producer: Vincent Gaudry

• Vintage: 2022

• Region: Sancerre AOC

• Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir

• Vine age: 60 years

• Soil: clay-limestone, Kimmeridgian marl

• Farming: certified biodynamic (Demeter)

• Harvest: manual

• Vinification: whole clusters, spontaneous fermentation

• Aging: 12 months in oak + 6 months in stainless steel

• Aging potential: 7–10 years

• Alcohol: 13%

• Bottle size: 0.75 L

• Serving temperature: 16–18°C

• Contains sulfites

Domaine Vincent Gaudry: Harmony Between Earth, Time, and Wine

History and Roots

The Domaine Vincent Gaudry lies in the heart of Sancerre, in the small village of Sury-en-Vaux, and stands today as one of the most authentic and radiant wineries in the Loire Valley. The estate has deep family roots, but it was under Vincent Gaudry, who took over in 1993, that it underwent a profound transformation. Guided by a rare sensitivity to nature and a personal vision of wine, Vincent embraced organic and biodynamic agriculture, becoming one of the first certified Demeter producers in Sancerre. His story is one of returning to origins, respecting natural rhythms, and believing deeply in terroir as the ultimate expression of truth in wine.

Vineyard Philosophy

Vincent Gaudry’s philosophy can be summed up in a simple yet powerful statement: “Trust in Nature.” Every gesture in the vineyard is an act of faith in the natural cycles and the living energy of the soil. His 13 hectares of vines are cultivated by hand, without chemical products, using biodynamic preparations and natural composts. Spontaneous cover crops grow between the rows, enriching biodiversity and microbial life. This consistent care allows the vines to reach perfect balance and harmony, producing grapes that are healthy, concentrated, and full of vitality.

Approach in the Cellar

In the cellar, Gaudry’s work is guided by precision and intuition. Fermentations occur with native yeasts, without fining or filtration, preserving the integrity of the fruit. Each cuvée is vinified separately to respect the identity of the terroir — from the calcareous “terres blanches” to silex and caillottes soils — and then aged in stainless steel or neutral oak. Some bottlings, such as Le Tournebride or Pour Vous, were created to express a unique dialogue between soil and grape, energy and depth. Every stage is personally overseen by Vincent in a cellar built with natural materials that “breathe” alongside the wine.

Vision and Style

Vincent Gaudry’s wines are an act of balance between matter and spirit, a pursuit of purity that never sacrifices character. His bottles reveal the mineral voice of Sancerre with clarity and vibrancy, combining tension and softness in perfect proportion. Gaudry seeks not effect but transparency: each wine is an honest portrait of a place, a vintage, a breath of the earth. His biodynamic approach, meticulous craftsmanship, and sensitive touch have made his domaine a benchmark for authenticity, elegance, and truth in wine.