Gérard Boulay : La Côte 2023

The structure and elegance of a Loire white wine

The property

Founded in 1310, the family estate is a pillar of Chavignol in the heart of the Loire. Gérard Boulay, supported by his son Thibaut, perpetuates a centuries-old viticultural tradition on 14 hectares of prestigious terroirs such as the Monts Damnés. Since 1990, the estate has been practicing organic farming, enhancing old vines and minimalist winemaking. This artisanal approach, without new barrels, highlights the minerality and complexity of the Kimmeridgian soils, making their wines an essential reference.

The vineyard

La Côte is a Sancerre wine made from the vineyard of the Côte d’Amigny, characterized by a flourishing microtoponymy, benefits from a Kimmeridgian terroir rich in clay, giving rise to ample, fat Sancerre wines suitable for long aging. When planting these vines in marly soils, Gérard Boulay unearthed a vertebra of a giant pliosaur, attesting to the ancient tropical sea that covered the region. The vines are on average 20 years old.

Vinification and aging

The harvest is carried out manually, with vinification in vats using indigenous yeasts, then aging on fine lees in 300-liter barrels without stirring and without new wood.

Grape variety

La Côte 2023 by Gérard Boulay is a 100% sauvignon blanc.