2022 Francois Crochet Sancerre Exils, Loire Valley

A cuvée parcellaire from flint, this is fermented in wooden cuve, from where this sample was drawn. It is not due to be bottled until 2024. I find a nose of powdered chalk, smoke and white peach, with a reductive energy to it. The palate has lovely vigour and definition, with seams of orange, crushed minerals, zesty vivacity and a touch of garden mint, supported by a modest spindle of acidity which shows a little more chutzpah in the finish. This has been marked by the warmer vintage, but it holds it together, just.

89 points Chris Kissack thewinedoctor.com

Francois Crochet Sancerre Le Chêne Marchand is a precise, focused expression of one of the most prized lieux-dits in the Loire Valley. Grown on pure limestone soils in the village of Bué, this Sauvignon Blanc is all about clarity, mineral tension, and understated elegance. Le Chêne Marchand is widely regarded as one of Sancerre’s finest sites, known for producing wines with lift, structure, and ageing potential.

Francois Crochet farms organically, working closely with the land to capture the nuances of each vintage and parcel. His approach in the cellar is hands-off and respectful—native yeast fermentation in stainless steel, followed by ageing on fine lees to enhance texture while maintaining freshness and definition. No oak is used, allowing the terroir to shine through with crystalline precision.

In the glass, the wine is vivid and detailed, offering aromas of citrus blossom, flint, white peach, and subtle herbal tones. The palate is driven by pure citrus and stony minerality, wrapped in a silky texture and finishing long, saline, and incredibly refined.

This is Sauvignon Blanc stripped of flash and excess—an honest, terroir-first wine that balances intensity with poise. Perfect for oysters, goat cheese, or simply enjoyed with time and air to watch it unfold.