Domaine J. de Villebois Sancerre Blanc AOP Silex 2025

Joost and Miguela de Willebois come from an old French family that has lived in the Netherlands since the 19th century. On the Loire their house has made its name as a Sauvignon Blanc specialist. Silex grows on the eastern edge of the appellation above the river, on clay and gravel full of flint. Such sites make up only a fifth of Sancerre and ripen early, because the stones hold the warmth of the day. Sauvignon Blanc (100 %), pressed gently for three hours, free-run only. Fermentation runs half in concrete and half in steel, then eight months on fine lees. Clearly terroir-driven, the flint unmistakable, the spice and the tautness come through. Serious, and still that lovely golden fruit over everything. For us a fine upgrade on the house Sancerre.