Christian Dauny

The Dauny family have cultivated vines on the prime slopes of Champtin in Crézancy-en-Sancerre since 1683. Current custodians Christian and Nicole and their sons Benoît and Thibaut represent the 12th and 13th generations here. In total the family own 17 hectares of vines - 13 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc and 4 hectares of Pinot Noir. Sancerre Blanc represents some 75% of their total production. In 1964, Lucien Dauny, Christian’s father, converted the vineyard to organic farming - certified today by Agriculture Biologique (AB). The wines thus are crafted from vines cultivated without any use of artificial fertilizer, weedkillers, insecticides, pesticides or synthetic fungicides. Only natural copper and sulphur is used to combat mildew or rot, and only if absolutely necessary.  Applications of natural plant compost includes nettle, common horsetail and algae. Tillage of the soil ensures excellent aeration, controls weeds as well as and above all creates natural humus/soil structure. The Sancerre 'Caillottes' cuvée that we list originates from vines grown on pebbley limestone soil ( "Les Caillottes"). On average the vines are at least 20+ years old. Sauvignon Blanc grapes are harvested quickly then pressed in a gentle pneumatic press followed by fermentation with natural yeasts and maturation on fine lees in stainless steel vats until bottling. Levels of sulphur are kept to an absolute minimum.