EDMOND et ANNE VATAN
Chavignol
Edmond et Anne Vatan is a tiny but highly coveted Domaine in Chavignol in the Loire Valley.
The estate was founded by Edmond Vatan, one of Sancerre’s mythic winemakers, who cumulated close to 60 vintages under his belt. His daughter, Anne Vatan-Foucault took over the Domaine in 2008. It would be an understatement to say that the Vatan family has true high-end know-how.
The estate is known for its single-vineyard cuvée: Clos La Néore. Planted with Sauvignon Blanc, Clos La Néore is a choice parcel of the famous Mont Damnés vineyard in the appellation Sancerre.
This cuvée is probably the most sought-after wine of the appellation and has the reputation of being able to easily age for decades. Only about 4,000 bottles are produced every year.
In past years, minuscule amounts of Sancerre Rouge were made from the Pinot Noir grape. Edmond Vatan owned 5 hectares of vines in Chavignol, but when he retired he decided to only keep his most beautiful plot: Clos La Néore.
In the Vineyard
The 40-year-old vines are carefully tended by Anne who prunes severely to limit yields and maximize quality. On average yields only reach 35 to 40 hectoliters per hectare.
Harvests tend to start after the neighboring domains have finished.
In the Cellar
Winemaking is very traditional at this address.
The wine is vinified and aged in old neutral oak barrels, racked just once, and is bottled without fining or filtration.
“Unfortunately, this is a Sancerre that few will ever see. Made from a single hectare in Chavignol by Anne Vatan, Edmund’s daughter, it is for many the epitome of what a Sancerre can be.”
Sancerre
Clos de la Néore
The parcel of Clos La Néore plot is ideally located to the south the Les Monts Damnés. The vines are south-facing and grow on Kimeridgian limestone rich in shells. The Vatan family farms 1 hectare of 40-year-old Sauvignon Blanc vines here.
