The "Le Chêne Marchand" vineyard is considered one of the best in the entire Sancerre region. The location is tiny, just 0.685 hectares available. The floor consists of a special type of limestone called tuffeau. The finest Sauvignon Blanc wines grow here. They have a remarkable richness and power and yet always a subtle nature and freshness. Connoisseurs also describe the wines as mythical.
The Domaine de Terres Blanches always puts its Sancerre Chêne Marchand (without the "Le" on the label) on the market a few years after the harvest, since it is dated of the aging potential of this great wine. The 2017 vintage described here was only released in 2023. After the whole cluster pressing, the Chêne Marchand was fermented in stainless steel tanks and then matured in wooden barrels, half of which were new. A noticeable portion of wood is deliberately used here, which this intensive wine integrates very well.
The very good 2017 vintage is reminiscent of ripe white fruits, vanilla and honey. On the palate it shows its density and complexity, in the very long finish the salty minerality gives a lot of play and excitement. A rich style of Sancerre, but always infused with bite. This intense and mature Sancerre wine calls for powerful dishes such as crustaceans or mature cheeses.
Optimal drinking
now through 2026+
Analysis Data
13.5% Alcohol Vol.
Ageing
in wooden barrels, partly new oak
Grapes
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Ratings
93/100 Parker (2017 vintage)
Closure
Cork
Type
dry white wine
Bottled by: Domaine de Terres Blanches, L'Esterille Bué en Sancerre 18300 France Produced in France - contains sulphites
