Domaine du Nozay was founded by Philippe de Benoist in 1971. Philippe is married to Marie-Helene who happens to be the sister of Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti fame. Given the connection, it will come as no surprise that Domaine du Nozay’s winemaking philosophy is similarly meticulous, espousing organic methods. 

The Domaine’s vineyards, located in a beautiful 17th century property, boast a high proportion of prized terres blanches, the chalky-clay soils rich in marine fossils which are linked to the distinctive flavours and textures of many great Sancerres. When he is not chasing wild boar (a favourite pastime), Philippe devotes his prodigious energy to managing Domaine du Nozay’s fifteen hectares of vineyards, while son Cyril handles the winemaking. Cyril gained experience at Bouzeron with his uncle Aubert and joined the family estate in 1991.