Its origin lies in a classic white Loire region where fresh style and aromatic tension are central.
- Location / Origin: Domaine Sauger is located on the left bank of the Loire in Loir-et-Cher, near Cheverny, Chambord, Blois, and Chenonceau, on the edge of the Sologne. This gives the wine a distinct place within the heart of the Loire châteaux.
- Climate & Influences: The climate is oceanic, moderately oceanic in summer, with additional influence from the large forests of the Sologne such as Chambord, Cheverny, and Russy. This combination helps keep the white style fresh and precise.
- Soil: The soils are sablo-argileux, meaning sandy with clay, and are also described as lean clayey sand. It is precisely on this type of soil that the white cuvée gains its aromatic tension and fine line.
- Vineyard & Harvest: The yield is 60 hl/ha. This suits a style that prioritizes vibrancy and consistency over breadth or extraction.
The cellar approach here is strict and precise, entirely focused on pure fruit and freshness.
- Harvest & Selection: The harvest is mechanical, with grapes picked at optimal ripeness based on analysis and tasting. For the most part, this is followed by sorting and destemming, ensuring a clean and precise base.
- Fermentation: The majority of the fruit is pressed directly, with an additional 20–25% skin maceration and a static or cold settling of 12–24 hours. This is followed by a slow fermentation of 3 weeks at 18 °C in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, without malolactic fermentation, which gives the wine its bright freshness and citrus-driven style.
- Aging / Oak Ageing: After fermentation, the wine is immediately racked and further aged on fine lees until bottling. This allows it to gain roundness and texture, while the style remains pure and crisp without oak influence.
The blend is classic for white Cheverny, combining aromatic lift with extra elegance.
- 80% Sauvignon Blanc – Cheverny: Sauvignon Blanc forms the core of the wine, giving it its citrus-driven nose, aromatic tension, and lively attack.
- 20% Chardonnay – Cheverny: Chardonnay complements this fresh line with more roundness and extra elegance on the palate.
