Vincent Gaudry ‘Rue de Vaux’ Sancerre 2023
Vincent Gaudry ‘Rue de Vaux’ Sancerre 2023
For those in the know, Vincent Gaudry has been handcrafting some of the most essential, soulful wines of the Loire River Valley for over 30 years in his craftsman cellar in the tiny hamlet of Chambre, near Sury-en-Vaux, Sancerre. Vincent is a true minimalist whose guiding principle is “Trust in Nature.” The domaine was established by Vincent’s grandfather, and Vincent was only 16 years old when he joined his father in the family business in 1991.
Vincent immediately began converting to organic farming in 1995, obtaining organic certification in 2002. With a desire to go even further, he developed a deep appreciation for biodynamic farming and the balance it brought to his vineyards. Vincent began farming his vineyards with biodynamic principles in 2000, becoming the first producer in Sancerre with a Demeter certification in 2004, upon witnessing firsthand the positive relationship between the vineyards, forests, and their animal inhabitants brought on by his regenerative agricultural practices. Vincent works with nature and a sober pragmatism to maintain a balance in his vineyards and wine. Today, he and his wife Séverine farm 11 hectares of vineyards with certified organic, biodynamic, and regenerative practices.
Gaudry wines are in tune with the elements, instilling a feeling of being profoundly connected to the land. Driven by his deep respect for the wisdom of past generations of local vignerons, Gaudry’s wines are inspired by history and, as a result, are among the most transparent, soulful, and authentic in the region. They are also amongst the most limited due to his artisanal scale.
One important trait to note about Vincent is his warm, generous and convivial nature. Of course Vincent’s wines are world-class and profound in substance, yet he does not take himself too seriously and is quick to share a joke and open his best bottles for guests. His quest for quality and authenticity is all about living life with great energy and joy. He is not interested in accolades or notoriety—rather he is content to share his lessons learned from previous generations in Sancerre, showing what is possible in the region.
From a tiny plot in Chavignol, Vincent’s Rue de Vaux is a rare expression, grown on caillotes soil on a 45 degree slope, eliciting floral, rich, precise Sancerre wine. As with the plots that go into the red ‘Les Vignes de Chavignol’, these vines are leased to Vincent by the legendary Anne Vatan, acknowledging him as a true, passionate scion of Sancerre, a mantle he wears with overwhelming seriousness. That said, Rue de Vaux, like Gaudry wines across the board, carries a feeling of joy, and will only grow more joyful with years in the cellar.