Silex 1996 Didier Dagueneau

Didier Dagueneau Silex 1996: A Rare and Precious Elegance of Sauvignon Blanc

Silex 1996 is one of the most significant and sought-after vintages from Didier Dagueneau, a Sauvignon Blanc that embodies the elegance and complexity of the vineyards of Saint-Andelain, in the heart of Pouilly-Fumé.

A Wine for Connoisseurs

The 1996 vintage was an exceptional year for Sauvignon Blanc, with a balanced climate that favored the perfect ripening of the grapes. The meticulous winemaking process and extended aging in oak barrels have given the wine remarkable structure and depth, which have only matured over the years.

Didier Dagueneau’s Philosophy

Didier Dagueneau is known for his biodynamic approach and commitment to fruit purity. With his Silex, he revolutionized Sauvignon Blanc, proving that it can be a wine for aging with great complexity.

• Biodynamic vineyards with low yields

• Strict selection of the grapes

• Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts

• Long maturation in oak barrels, without filtration

Tasting Notes

Color: Intense golden with golden highlights.
Nose: Ripe fruit (pear, apple), notes of flint, dried flowers, and a subtle toasty character.
Palate: Structured, rich, and persistent, with a mineral finish and vibrant acidity that balances the fruit’s maturity.

Recommended Food Pairings

• Fish dishes such as baked bass or sea bream

• Blue cheeses like Roquefort or Stilton

• Foie gras or terrine

• Mushroom risottos or dishes with truffle

Technical Sheet

Product: Silex 1996
Producer: Didier Dagueneau
Appellation: Pouilly-Fumé, Loire
Vintage: 1996
Grape Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
Serving Temperature: 10–12°C
Winemaking: Spontaneous fermentation, aging in oak barrels
Aging Potential: 20+ years
Recommended Food Pairings: Fish, blue cheeses, foie gras
Availability: Very limited

See all products of Didier Dagueneau

Didier Dagueneau: The Rebel of Sauvignon Blanc

Didier Dagueneau was one of the most charismatic, controversial, and visionary winemakers of the Loire Valley. Though he passed away prematurely in 2008, he left an indelible mark on the world of wine by revolutionizing the approach to Sauvignon Blanc and setting new benchmarks for quality in the Pouilly-Fumé appellation.

A Life Outside the Lines

Born in 1956 in Saint-Andelain, Loire, Didier was known not only for his brilliance but also for his rebellious spirit. Before dedicating himself to wine, he was a sidecar motocross champion — a fitting symbol of his bold and unconventional personality.

When he entered the wine world, he had a clear goal: to produce the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world. He succeeded, by breaking rules, challenging convention, and committing to quality and purity.

Philosophy and Method

Didier believed in the purest expression of terroir, focusing obsessively on vineyard work. He practiced sustainable, low-intervention viticulture with extremely low yields, strict pruning, and manual harvesting.

Meticulous Winemaking Techniques

In the cellar, he adopted methods uncommon in the region:

• Fermentation in oak barrels, mostly used French oak

• Indigenous yeasts

• Long lees aging (sur lies)

The result was structured, age-worthy white wines with minerality and depth, rivaling fine reds in complexity.

Iconic Wines

By choice, his labels didn’t mention “Pouilly-Fumé” — a deliberate move to distinguish his wines from conventional standards.

Among his most iconic cuvées:

Silex

Perhaps his signature wine. Grown on flinty (silex) soils, it shows explosive minerality, smoky nuances, citrus notes, and a firm, almost tannic structure.

Pur Sang

Meaning “thoroughbred,” this Sauvignon Blanc is rich yet crystalline, showing deep elegance and balance.

Buisson Renard

A powerful yet refined white, with floral hints, stone fruit, and a full, elegant palate.

The Legacy Lives On

After Didier’s tragic death in a flying accident in 2008, the domaine passed to his son Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau, who has continued the legacy with fidelity to his father’s vision.

Under his leadership, the estate remains at the pinnacle of Sauvignon Blanc production, making wines sought after across the globe.

Conclusion

Didier Dagueneau was a white wine revolutionary. He turned Sauvignon Blanc into high art, creating wines of exceptional elegance, intensity, and age-worthiness. His legacy lives on through every bottle and every vineyard row he inspired.