Domaine La Croix St Laurent

Nestled among these rolling hills, the winemaking village of Bué dans la Cher is located just a few kilometers from Sancerre, which is just to the east. The Domaine's location brings together a southwestern exposure, a unique microclimate - with the Loire river to the east and large forests to the west - and an ideal altitude, at 200-400 meters above sea level. The vineyards on the rugged hills of Bué are the very best of the Sancerre appellation.

The estate has been in the hands of the families of Migeon and Crochet since the 16th century, and has been maintained by the Cirotte family since 1932. Domaine La Croix Saint-Laurent, with an area of ​​10.8 hectares, is made up of 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Pinot Noir (rouge and rosé). The vines range from 35 years old (in the case of Sauvignon Blanc) to 43 years old (for the Pinot Noir). The soils are roughly 90% calcarious marl, and 10% flint (which is only planted for rosé of Pinot Noir). Vineyard yields are a modest 55-65 HL/Ha. 

Since 1996, the Domaine has strongly reduced the use of pesticides. This was reinforced in 1998, when all use of residual herbicides ended. Synthetic weedkillers have been virtually eliminated, and chemical fertilizers have completely disappeared in favor of plowing, grass cover, and natural fertilizers. Since 2013, the winery has maintained the Terra Vitis sustainable certification for its viticulture. Each year, testing is carried out to continue the promise of sustainability. In 2021, the domaine earned HVE3 certification for High Environmental Value. 

The grape harvest is entirely by hand.

Since the 2018 vintage, vinifications are done without added sulfur. It is added only after the alcoholic fermentation, and just a small bit before bottling.