J. DE VILLEBOIS
LOIRE, FRANCE 2022
Why Buy: We love Sancerre as much as you do, and we’re especially excited when we discover a producer, like the up-and-coming J. de Villebois, that offers great value, too. With recent challenges in production across the Loire, availability of these stunning wines is becoming more limited. That makes this the perfect opportunity to stock up. These are total terroir wines, born from the region’s famed flint, sandy clay, and Kimmeridgian soils. Each nervy, focused sip bursts with signature minerality, acidity, and richness, making them incredibly versatile must-haves for your table.
Our Tasting Notes:
* Sancerre Collection: Our 2022 Sancerre collection showcases the exciting and diverse terroirs of this renowned appellation. The 'Chene a la Rouline' (94 points, Wine Enthusiast) dazzles with its crystalline purity and vibrant energy. Aromas of white flowers and citrus zest lead to a palate of crisp green apple and flinty minerality. The 'Chene Marchand' and 'Les Beltins' offer nuanced expressions of their respective vineyard sites: the former presenting a more structured, age-worthy profile; the latter, a showcase of delicate floral notes. 'Les Griottes' charms with its red fruit undertones, while 'Les Silex Blancs,' true to its name, delivers an intense, flinty mineral character. The 'Les Marnes Kimmeridgiennes' rounds out the collection with a rich, full-bodied expression that speaks to its unique soil composition.
* Pouilly-Fumé: The Pouilly-Fumé 'Les Vignes de Treleau' 2022 is a paragon of elegance and complexity. Notes of ripe pear and white peach mingle with hints of smoke and wet stone. On the palate, it's beautifully balanced, with a creamy texture offset by bright acidity and a lingering, mineral-driven finish. 'Les Silex Blancs' Pouilly-Fumé mirrors its Sancerre counterpart in its intense minerality, but with a distinct smoky character that is the hallmark of this appellation.
The Story: It’s a familiar tale in the wine world, the couple that falls in love, and then falls in love again — with wine. J. de Villebois is the creation of Joost and Miguela de Willebois, whose passion for French wine runs deep. Their journey began in 2004 when they acquired a small, well-run winery in Touraine. Recognizing its potential, they set out to transform it into a beacon of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Over the past two decades, Villebois has grown into one of the largest independent Loire wine companies, consistently garnering awards and accolades. Their success stems from a laser focus on Sauvignon Blanc, crafting wines that showcase the diverse, complex terroirs of the Loire Valley. The de Villebois family history stretches back centuries, with roots in France. The label "J. de Villebois" pays homage to Joost's ancestor, connecting the present-day winery to a long tradition of French winemaking. Today, under the expert guidance of winemakers Patrice Merceron and Albert Tonetto, J. de Villebois produces a range of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blancs. From entry-level Vin de France to single-vineyard Sancerre, each bottle reflects the team's deep respect for the land and their commitment to sustainable practices.
The Specs: J. de Villebois' wines are a testament to the unique terroir of the Loire Valley. The vineyards are situated on ancient soils, boasting a complex mix of flint, Kimmeridgian marls, and sandy clay. This geological diversity imparts a distinct mineral character and crystalline clarity to the wines. In the cellar, Merceron and Tonetto employ a blend of traditional techniques and modern innovation. Temperature-controlled fermentation preserves the vibrant fruit flavors and aromatic complexity of the Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Careful oak aging, when used, adds depth and texture without overpowering the wine's essential character.
What to Pair Them With: The eminent versatility of these Loire Valley Sauvignon Blancs makes them a joy to pair with food. Try the Sancerres with fresh goat cheese or herb-crusted fish. The Pouilly-Fumés, meanwhile, shine in the company of shellfish, particularly oysters or seared scallops.
Fun Fact: The name "J. de Villebois” is an homage to Joost de Willebois' ancestor, Louys de Villebois, who inherited a family estate in northern France nearly four hundred years ago, in 1630. This link to French heritage, spanning nearly 400 years, adds a touch of historical depth to every bottle.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured – your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2025). With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, KY, MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024.