The Estate
Domaine Dagueneau is inextricably linked to the legendary figure of Didier Dagueneau, a visionary and iconoclastic winemaker who made a lasting impact on the wine world starting in the 1980s. Based in Saint-Andelain, in the heart of the Pouilly-Fumé appellation, Didier revolutionized local practices by demanding precision, discipline, and respect for nature—long before such principles became common. Uncompromising in his approach, he built an international reputation for producing wines of exceptional purity, exclusively from Sauvignon Blanc. Following his tragic death in 2008, his son Louis-Benjamin—still very young at the time—took over with widely acclaimed talent.
The estate covers around twelve hectares spread across the finest slopes of Pouilly-Fumé, with iconic plots like Silex, Pur Sang, and Buisson Renard. The diversity of soils—especially the famed flinty clays—combined with meticulous, naturally-minded viticulture, allows for an extremely precise expression of each micro-terroir. Each cuvée is crafted as a single-vineyard wine, vinified separately with minimal intervention but exceptional technical mastery. The Dagueneau style is taut, mineral, and vibrant, aiming to capture the very essence of Sauvignon Blanc with a Burgundian approach to white winemaking.
Under Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau’s leadership, the domaine continues its ascent while deepening the family legacy. Regarded as one of the most talented winemakers of his generation, he has preserved the wines’ unique identity while refining the élevage process, notably through the use of barrels of various sizes, to enhance complexity and depth. Today, the wines are recognized worldwide as benchmarks—sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for their precision, aging potential, and emotional resonance. Few domaines can claim to have redefined the expression of a grape variety with such consistency and integrity.
The Wine
Clay-limestone soils with scattered stones, farmed without herbicides or systematic inputs. Fermented and aged in barrels on fine lees for about a year, with minimal intervention.
Tasting
Expressive nose of ripe citrus, white flowers, and a subtle smoky touch. The palate is linear and tense, with pure fruit and a saline finish. An elegant cuvée—more approachable than others from the domaine—yet crafted with striking precision.
