Domaine Lucien Crochet was established as a result of a union between two pioneering winemakers in the
Sancerre appellation of the
Loire Valley, Andre Crochet and Lucien Picard. It was Andre's son
Lucien Crochet who decided to merge the estates of his father and father-in-law, and then expand the property to
35 hectares.
Today, the family estate is run by Lucien's son
Gilles Crochet and his wife Laurence, who produce 7 or 8 terroir-forward Sancerre wines from 38 hectares, of which 29 hectares are planted with
Sauvignon Blanc, and 9 with
Pinot Noir. The vines grow in a diverse range of soil types, including Oxfordian and Kimmeridgian subsoils, as well as calcareous clay. Since 1989, the vineyards have been treated exlusively with
organic fertilisers, to protect the vines for generations to come.
The
white Sancerre wines of Lucien Crochet exude bright citrus and pear on the nose, herbal and earthy nuances, and that
chalky minerality so typical of the Sancerre appellation. Meanwhile, their Pinot Noir is used to produce some of the most elegant
Sancerre red wines, as well as a refreshing and fine
Sancerre Rosé with juicy redcurrant and blueberrie aromas.
