70 Long reputed as the epitome of fine Sancerre, the wines from this family-owned estate never fail to impress. Countless accolades have been heaped on the winemaking team of brothers Denis and Jean-Louis Vacheron and their sons. The family owns 38 hectares, mostly within the parish of Sancerre itself. Their vineyards also include 12 hectares of Pinot Noir, an unusually high proportion for the appellation. The domaine continues to hand-harvest the vineyards even though many growers in this appellation use mechanical harvesters, and they have recently been registered as biodynamic growers. Cousins Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique now run the estate. Domaine Vacheron When drinking this wine, one is also drinking history, for the Château has been the property of the d’Estutt d’Assay family for the last four hundred years. If there is a drawback, it is that the Château produces only very small amounts, available on an allocation basis to the long time faithful. It is probably the finest Pouilly-Fumé available in Ireland. Henri d’Assay is the genial proprietor. Château de Tracy www.chateau-de-tracy.com L O I R E VA L L E Y L O I R E VA L L E Y Vacheron Family