Domaine du Pré Semelé

The Domaine du Pré Semelé is owned by the Raimbault family, who have been cultivating vineyards for three generations on the hillsides of the hamlet of Maimbray, in the commune of Sury-en-Vaux, located 5 km north of Sancerre. Camille and Maurice founded the estate in the 1940s with 3 hectares. Maurice’s two sons, Claude and Rémy, took over the estate and expanded the vineyard to 12 hectares. In 2001, Julien, Rémy’s son, joined the estate and began developing its export business. At that time, Domaine du Pré Semelé covered 14 hectares and produced 60,000 bottles.

In 2009, it was Clément’s turn—Rémy’s second son—to join the estate. Today, the estate spans 18 hectares within the Sancerre appellation, with 14 hectares planted to Sancerre Blanc, 3 hectares to Sancerre Rouge, and 1.5 hectares to Sancerre Rosé.

Domaine du Pré Semelé practices sustainable viticulture with an organic focus (vines are left with grass between the rows and mechanically cultivated at the base). The wines are pure, straightforward, and mineral-driven, reflecting the character of the clay-limestone terroirs, primarily Kimmeridgian marl—also known as “white earth.” Currently, approximately 100,000 bottles are produced, with 60% exported, 25% sold in France, and 15% supplied to the cooperative winery.