2023 Domaine Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Blanc Pure

Winery Domaine Henri Bourgeois

Domaine Henri Bourgeois is a family business with a long history in Chavignol, located in the heart of Sancerre. The tenth generation is now at the helm, with a clear focus on terroir and precision. The estate owns vineyards on the best slopes of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé and operates increasingly organically and sustainably. The house style is recognizable by its purity, tension, and refinement, with differences in soil type clearly evident in the wines. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Region, climate and location

The vineyards for the 'Pure' cuvée are situated around Chavignol, one of the most prestigious villages within Sancerre. Here, flint and clay soils dominate, providing pronounced minerality and a certain depth to the wine. The flint soils often impart a smoky, slightly saline character, while clay contributes structure and roundness. The climate is moderately continental with cool nights, which helps preserve freshness and aromatic precision. The 2023 vintage yielded healthy grapes with a beautiful balance between ripeness and tension, resulting in a wine that is both expressive and crisp.

Vineyards and grape varieties

This wine is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc sourced from plots with high planting density, which ensures natural yield limitation and concentrated fruit. The combination of silex (flint) and clay gives the wine a distinct layered profile. The vineyards are cultivated organically, with attention to soil health and biodiversity. Low yields and careful selection result in a wine of intensity and precision, in which the character of the terroir is clearly recognizable.

Harvest, vinification and aging

The grapes are harvested by hand to ensure optimal ripeness and selection. After gentle pressing at a low temperature, controlled fermentation follows in stainless steel tanks between 15 and 18°C, aimed at preserving aromatic purity. Subsequently, the wine ages for six to eight months on the fine lees, which contributes to additional texture and complexity. This approach results in a wine that is both fresh and crisp, yet possesses a certain roundness and depth.

Color, smell and taste

The wine has a clear, light yellow color with a subtle sheen. On the nose, refined aromas of white flowers, ripe yellow fruit, and a light spiciness reminiscent of angelica emerge. Behind this lies a distinct mineral character typical of flint-rich soils. On the palate, the wine reveals itself to be full and precise, with a beautiful tension between ripe fruit and fresh acidity. The structure is taut without being harsh, and the sur lie aging imparts a slight roundness that gives the wine extra balance. The finish is long, fresh, and slightly saline, with a distinct mineral undertone that lingers for a moment.

Development and drinking window

The 2023 Sancerre 'Pure' is already ready to drink thanks to its open and expressive character, but has sufficient structure to develop further for a few years. The drinking window is approximately between 2024 and 2028, during which the wine primarily displays freshness and fruit in its youth, and develops more complexity and layering later.

Summary of professional reviews

No specific scores have currently been published for this wine, but the style is characterized by precision, freshness, and a distinct mineral signature. The combination of flinty soils, organic cultivation, and sur lie aging results in a balanced and layered Sancerre with a long, refined finish. The full review texts can be found in the tab: Professional reviews.

Wine & Food and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.

Short summary

The 2023 Domaine Henri Bourgeois Sancerre 'Pure' is an organic Sauvignon Blanc with a clear terroir expression of flint and clay. On the nose and palate, white flowers, yellow fruit, and a subtle spicy character, combined with fresh acidity and a precise structure. The wine is full-bodied yet energetic, with a long, slightly saline and mineral finish. A balanced and refined Sancerre with aging potential until approximately 2028.