Didier Dagueneau

Didier Dagueneau established his eponymous domaine in 1982 in the commune of Saint-Andelain in Pouilly-Fumé, an appellation in the Loire Valley that makes dry white wines from Sauvignon Blanc. The wines from the domaine are highly regarded and some of the most sought-after in the wider central Loire (including Sancerre).

Didier Dagueneau was motivated by the desire to elevate the perception of wines from Pouilly-Fumé and to this end he devoted his winemaking career to endless experimentation. At times he adhered to biodynamic practises until they no longer produced the quality wines he sought, he dabbled briefly with no sulphur wines but left that because he didn’t care for the way the wines evolved and after trialling indigenous yeasts he returned to using cultured yeasts for the better results he obtained.

Dagueneau's approach led to the revitalized image of not just Pouilly-Fumé, but Sauvignon Blanc itself, and of Sancerre – the appellation immediately across the Loire River. Dagueneau adopted biodynamics in 1993 (before it really took off elsewhere), tilled the land with horses, and severely reduced yields. Dagueneau also employed oak barrels to maximize lees contact. Dagueneau's wines came to embrace the regional character of flint and they have a reputation for their ability to age. In 2000, Dagueneau bought vineyards in Sancerre in Monts Damnés, and also began a side-project in the Jurançon in 2002 (Les Jardins de Babylone). Domaine Dagueneau offers a small selection of wines and is best known for four offerings from Pouilly-Fumé. The entry-level Blanc Fumé de Pouilly is a blend from several vineyards, while the Buisson-Renard, Pur Sang and Silex are single vineyard efforts, as is the Astéroïde (from ungrafted vines).

In 2008, Didier Dagueneau died in an ultralight plane crash leaving his son and daughter, Louis-Benjamin and Charlotte, to run the winery. The 2008 and 2009 vintages were considered stellar and a continuation of the Dagueneau style and quality. The bottles now carry Louis-Benjamin's name.