Situated in the small village of Verdigny in the Sancerre region of the Loire Valley, the Fournier family has been making wine for many generations. The estate has grown from 5 acres in 1950 to almost 150 acres today, divided over the appellations of Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, and Menetou-Salon. The improvements made in vinification techniques and the permanent concern for quality result in well-balanced wines of great diversity.
In 1995, the Fournier family acquired the vineyards of Domaine des Berthiers, which previously belonged to Jean-Claude Dagueneau (father of Didier Dagueneau). They are situated in the hamlet of Berthiers, which is located in the village of Saint-Andelain. The appellation is located on siliceous south-southwest facing hillsides overlooking the Loire River. As a result, the vineyard benefits from well-drained soils and very good exposure, favoring the production of grapes that result in age-worthy and complex wines. Vinification includes a slow temperature regulated fermentation for a period of three to four weeks, which allows the maximum extraction of aromas leading to a final freshness. Aging on fine lees adds richness and is what gives this wine its 'fumé' character. Generous and full-bodied, the wines exhibit the rich, spicy, and smoky nuances of the Sauvignon Blanc varietal.