For many years Domaine Vacheron was run by two brothers, Jean-Louis and Denis (President of the Union Viticole Sancerroise), who were like chalk and cheese. Today, their sons Jean-Louis and Jean-Laurent are at the helm and they converted the 42 hectare property to biodynamic viticulture when they took over. Grass grows between the rows of vines and the earth is tilled with a plough or a mattock. The crops are sprayed with a biodynamic preparation using five highly sophisticated tractors which are controlled by computer to minimise doses. The domain owns two high-quality terroirs in the commune of Sancerre which produce grapes for specific cuvées available in both white (3/4 of output) and red. "Les Belles Dame" red was first made in 1995 and "Les Romains" white in 1997. This second cuvée is produced from a very flinty terroir. With its legacy of quality, thanks to the previous generation, and the two young cousins' commitment to an equally demanding approach, Domaine Vacheron is unlikely to be toppled from its place at the heights of the appellation any time soon.

Chambrates is one of Vacheron’s most concentrated cuvées. It must be kept for a few years to allow it to realise its (vast) potential.