Daniel Crochet - Sancerre Plante des prés 2023

Daniel Crochet is one of the most talented winemakers in the Loire Valley: he cultivates 10 hectares across plots spread between Bué and Sancerre, fully showcasing the region’s white clay and caillotes soils. Whether entry-level or prestige cuvées, all his wines demonstrate exceptional consistency. Among the whites, Plante des Prés and Chêne Marchand—located in the best sections of their respective lieux-dits—rank among the region’s finest Sauvignons. These are must-haves for wine enthusiasts.

A fourth-generation member of a family of winemakers, Daniel Crochet is regularly featured in the Guide. At the helm of the family estate since 1996, he now manages a 10-hectare vineyard spread between Sancerre and Bué, and has begun the transition to organic farming.

Plante des Prés consistently stands out with its superior elegance, stony character, and vibrancy. A truly beautiful Sauvignon with a distinct identity.

On the white clay and caillotte soils of the town of Bué, the unassuming Daniel Crochet—François’s cousin—has been running this high-quality family estate since 1996. The work here is carried out with great care, featuring grass-covered vineyards, aging on lees, and meticulous winemaking. The estate is fortunate to benefit from the finest plots in the region, particularly Plante des Prés and Chêne Marchand. We’ve been impressed by the precision and depth of the reds over the past few vintages and commend Daniel Crochet’s meticulous work. The whites, aged in enameled tanks (and partially in demi-muids for Chêne Marchand), are beautifully crafted, refined, and well-balanced. 2023 is the first certified organic vintage.