Vincent Grall

The winery of the French vigneron Vincent Grall represents one of the smallest winegrowing realities in the Sancerre area, located at the eastern end of the Loire Valley. Vincent is the last in a lineage of well-known winegrowers in this area, with his grandfather Jean cultivating a few hectares of vineyards here. Working for 10 years with his uncles, Vincent had the opportunity to learn the art of viticulture and winemaking, while simultaneously striving to start his own independent business. In 2000, he decided to dedicate himself full-time to his vineyards with the help of his wife, with whom Vincent succeeded in creating a sales network in France and abroad.

Vincent Grall's agronomic approach is based on respect for nature. In this perspective, the vigneron exclusively uses organic fertilizers, encourages the growth of spontaneous herbs and trees around the vineyards, mechanically works the soil, and minimizes the use of phytosanitary treatments. Almost all of the vineyard area is dedicated to Sauvignon Blanc, the main grape variety of the Sancerre region, where this variety reaches its qualitative peak. Alongside Sauvignon Blanc, Vincent cultivates about 5% Pinot Noir. These vines grow in small plots planted on soils rich in flint and clay or limestone. The harvest is carried out entirely by hand to safeguard the integrity of the grapes, which are then carefully selected in the cellar. At this point, parcel-specific vinifications take place in small stainless steel tanks or oak vats ranging in size from 6 to 50 hectoliters, the same containers where the subsequent maturation phase occurs.

The focus of Vincent Grall's production is Sancerre Blanc, a wine that the vigneron offers in different labels representing the respective parcels of origin. These Sancerre wines are then divided into two lines, ‘Tradition’ and ‘Les Cuvées,’ with the former being entirely processed in stainless steel while the latter are vinified with the aid of oak barrels.