Gérard Boulay

As you drive into the village of Chavignol from Sancerre, you pass the impressive modern cellar of one of the Loire region’s greatest producers: Gérard Boulay. His 11 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc are all located on steep terres blanches Kimmeridgian marl hillsides, and his single vineyard wines draw from the best sites around the hamlets of Chavignol and Amingy.

Along with neighbours like François Cotat, Gérard makes wines that leave their grape variety far behind, with no trace of herbaceous one-dimensionality. Instead, his wines are arrestingly beautiful expressions of the unique terroirs of the region, displaying beguiling floral characters and a chalky, limestone freshness that truly speaks of their place of origin. The wines are thrilling, delicate and captivating in their youth, and profoundly soulful with age.