Vincent Gaudry
Summary
Vincent Gaudry operates a small 9-hectare domaine in Sury-en-Vaux, northern Sancerre, crafting primarily Sauvignon Blanc wines from the appellation's three classic soil types: terres blanches, caillottes, and terres argilo-calcaires. As one of Sancerre's first Demeter-certified producers since 2004, Gaudry employs traditional biodynamic practices throughout his operation, including horse-drawn plowing, indigenous yeast fermentations, and bottling according to the lunar calendar.
Heritage & Leadership
Vincent Gaudry represents the continuation of a family winemaking tradition in Sancerre, located in France's Loire Valley. Based in the village of Sury-en-Vaux, Gaudry took over management of his family's domaine in 1993. His operation remains deliberately small-scale, allowing for meticulous attention to each parcel under his care. While maintaining traditional aspects of Sancerre viticulture, Gaudry has distinguished himself through his commitment to biodynamic farming principles, becoming one of the first producers in the appellation to receive Demeter certification in 2004.
Vineyards & Wines
The Gaudry domaine encompasses 9 hectares of vineyards spread across the northern sector of the Sancerre appellation, primarily surrounding the village of Sury-en-Vaux. These holdings feature the three classic soil types that define Sancerre's terroir: limestone-rich terres blanches, flint-based caillottes, and clay-limestone terres argilo-calcaires. The vineyards are planted predominantly to Sauvignon Blanc, with a small portion dedicated to Pinot Noir for red and rosé production.
Gaudry produces several cuvées that reflect these distinct terroirs. His "Le Tournebride" serves as his foundation Sancerre, while "Mélodie de Vieilles Vignes" comes from older vine parcels. The single-vineyard "Constellation du Scorpion" originates from flint soils, and "Pour Vous" represents a limited selection from his finest parcels. His red Sancerre comes from Pinot Noir planted on clay-limestone soils that provide appropriate structure.
Philosophy & Practice
Vincent Gaudry's approach centers on biodynamic farming principles, formalized with Demeter certification in 2004 after transitioning to organic methods in the 1990s. His viticultural practices follow the biodynamic calendar and include the application of herbal preparations and teas to strengthen vine immunity naturally. Vineyard work is conducted manually, with horse-drawn plowing used in certain parcels to minimize soil compaction.
In the cellar, Gaudry employs a minimalist approach. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts in a combination of stainless steel tanks and older oak barrels, depending on the cuvée. Sulfur additions are kept to a minimum, with levels significantly below conventional standards. His wines typically undergo extended lees contact to develop texture and complexity. Gaudry's commitment to expressing terroir extends to his bottling schedule, which follows the lunar calendar in accordance with biodynamic principles.