Domaine Laporte, Sancerre, Cuvée R, Sancerre, Loire, France, 2025

Overview of the Wine
Domaine Laporte is the result of a perfect blending of two renowned Sancerre families. Founded in 1850 in the village of Saint-Satur, Domaine Laporte was run for decades in the mid-20th century by René Laporte. A visionary chair of the Sancerre appellation for 20 years, René was a pioneer in producing low-yield, characterful Sancerre during a time when many others in the region were focusing on quantity over quality. Then, in 1986, well-known winegrower from Chavignol Henri Bourgeois purchased the domaine from René, keeping the old vineyard, cellar and house and maintaining the excellent reputation.

Now under the watchful eyes of Henri's two grandsons, Arnaud and Cedric Bourgeois, Domaine Laporte is one of the most highly respected estates in the Loire Valley. It consists of more than 21 hectares, and the flagship Sancerre comes from one of the finest vineyards in the appellation, Domaine du Rochoy, a 6.8-hectare vineyard carved out of the flint hillside overlooking the Loire River.

Laporte is a certified organic producer and the wine here is made in a very traditional, natural way, employing organic methods and always ensuring a sense of purity and excellence. With the different cuvées, the Bourgeois are able to explore the different expressions of Sancerre, all to very appealing effect. Laporte also produces three wines under the Le Bouquet label: the floral and citrus-scented Sauvignon Blanc, a Cabernet-Franc offering fresh red fruits and soft hints of spice, and a fruity Pinot Noir rosé. Made with very high-quality fruit, these are versatile bottlings that offer great value and a perfect introduction to the wines of the Loire Valley.
|Martine's Wines is the exclusive U.S. importer for Laporte.

Farming and vinification practices: Sustainable, Organic (Ecocert), Vegan

Winemaker
Arnaud and Cedric Bourgeois

Grape / Blend
Sauvignon Blanc

Origin
Sancerre, Loire, France

Tasting Notes
Domaine Laporte's hallmark Sancerre is back with the arrival of the 2025 vintage. While longtime fans may notice a slightly different label, the wine itself remains unchanged. Formerly known as Le Rochoy, the wine will now be released as Cuvée R, reflecting updated vineyard designation requirements adopted throughout Sancerre.

The change stems from a region-wide effort to align vineyard names with the historic cadastral maps that define official lieux-dits. While René Laporte traditionally referred to the entire flint-rich hillside as Le Rochoy, the vineyard source for this wine actually spans two neighboring parcels: Le Rochoy and Les Ratilleries. Beginning with the 2025 vintage, the wine will be labeled Cuvée R in recognition of these sites. The sourcing, winemaking, and style remain exactly as before: silex-driven Sancerre from vineyards overlooking the Loire, offering pronounced minerality, saline tension, white flower aromatics, and the precision that has made Le Rochoy a customer favorite for years.

92 Points - James Suckling
This bright and fresh white has aromas of sliced apples, herbs and stones. It’s medium-bodied with fresh acidity. Vivid and textured with a delicious, persistent finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. (2024)

Product size: 750ml