France: Domaine des Vaublins - Les Acacias Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Haute Valeur Environnementale)

100% Sauvignon Blanc. 12% alcohol. 

I am always super impressed with the quality of this wine, particularly so given its price point. It is very Sancerre in style (and a good Sancerre at that) but lighter on the wallet: zesty, refreshingly dry, and oh-so food-friendly, this is a delightful little number.

Owned by the Deniau family, Vaublins has been a family winery for several generations, with the domaine now in the hands of the current generation Nicolas and Alexandrine who - together with Cedric Allion - are making some excellent wines under his watchful eye.

They hold the "Issu d'Une Exploitation Haute Valeur Environnementale" - meaning they are certified as an agricultural estate for having "high environmental value". 

Their 16 hectares (40 acres) of vines are located on the clay and limestone hillsides on the banks of the river Cher near the city of Tours. The 227-mile long Cher is a tributary of the Loire.

In the grand scheme of things, Domaine des Vaublins is a tiny family producer with quality being their sole focus.

The fruit for this Sauvignon Blanc is grown on limestone soils and is harvested during the night to ensure optimal freshness is retained in the wine.

It has the crispness one expects from Sauvignon Blanc but also the elegance, balance and minerality - an overall light touch - that is the hallmark of this variety when grown in the Loire Valley.  

Food Pairing

As per all Loire Sauvignon Blanc, this is a match made in heaven with goat's cheese. Also grilled fish, sushi and sashimi, seafood pasta dishes, mussels, Mediterranean salads.