Serge Dagueneau

Serge Dagueneau, based in Saint Andelain, in the heart of the Loire Valley, is a renowned wine producer best known for its work within the Pouilly Fumé, Pouilly sur Loire, and Côtes de la Charité appellations. These days, the estate is guided by the careful hand of Valerie Dagueneau, carrying on the family legacy initiated around 1900.

Renowned for their commitment to sustainable viticulture, the Dagueneau estate has been certified as HVE3 (High Value Environmental, Level 3), signifying a profound respect for nature and a commitment to organic methods, with some vineyards transitioning to bio-dynamics.

The vineyard holdings consist of 18 hectares within Pouilly Fumé, 1 hectare in Pouilly sur Loire, and 3 hectares in Côtes de la Charité. The Pouilly Fumé vineyards, based in Saint Andelain, are home to vines cultivated on a unique mixture of clay/limestone (Terres Blanches), kimmeridgean clay, and crushed oyster shells, providing an unrivaled terroir.

The winemaking process includes mostly hand-harvesting followed by an extended skin maceration and fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The classic cuvée of Pouilly Fumé matures for 17 months on the lees, with some cuvées seeing additional maturation in aged oak barrels. The wines have a strapping character, carrying a potent varietal expression of Sauvignon Blanc and Chasselas in the Pouilly sur Loire appellation, expressing rich notes of gunflint, fresh flowers, and cut grass.

Les Pentes owes its exceptional depth and dimension to nearly 60-year-old vines planted on south-facing parcels in a unique blend of Kimmeridgian limestone, sandy clay, and silex soils. This formidable terroir combination lends the wine an allure that invites comparison to the highest level of white Burgundy rather than its Pouilly-Fumé or Sancerre contemporaries. This harmonious blend of full-bodied texture, lively minerality, and vibrant acidity reflects the estate's unwavering dedication to quality and precision in winemaking.

Ancient vineyards, an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, and an unerring attention to detail make Serge Dagueneau a standout wine producer in the Loire Valley, delivering wines that truly sing of their unique origins.