The Cuvée d'Antan, one of Henri Bourgeois' flagship wines, is made from the estate's highest flint-containing slopes, in the village of Saint-Satur. The vineyard was first planted in 1936, where the soil is predominantly stony.
The beginning of the Henri Bourgeois winery
The vineyards of the renowned Bourgeois winery are located in the Sancerre region. This magnificent estate in Chavignol is one of the leading wineries in the Sancerre region. Founded by Henri Bourgeois, his children and grandchildren have continued its growth. Today, the tenth generation of the Bourgeois family is at the helm. Using grapes sourced partly from their own vineyards (70 hectares) and partly from purchased grapes, the Bourgeois family produces exemplary and classic Sancerres. They also produce wines from grapes grown outside of Sancerre. The family is also active in Pouilly-Fumé, Menetou-Salon, Quincy, and Coteaux du Giennois, among others.
These are true terroir wines. The grapes are harvested entirely by plot, fermented, and aged separately. This way, each wine's origin is clearly visible. Yields are kept low, down to 50 hectoliters per hectare, and even less if possible. The soil where these Sauvignon Blanc grapes are grown consists of calcareous clay. This produces a wine with distinct elegance, freshness, and delicious fruit. After harvest, the grapes are carefully selected and pressed. They are then aged for several months in stainless steel on fine lees. This gives the wine a beautiful, rich, and juicy character.
A classic Sancerre d'Antan
The Sancerre d'Antan is made in a classic way, fermented and aged in used barriques. Its classic character and exceptional acidity make this a Sancerre that can age for years. This wine has a nose of lime, verbena, and flint. The palate is very balanced with fresh notes of grapefruit, sweet almond, hawthorn, and a light woodiness that brings a touch of coconut. Its minerality gives it considerable length on the palate. Concentrated, full-bodied, and with finesse, this wine deserves to be aged to reveal all its complexity.
2022
