Laurent Saillard You & Me 2022

After many years as a restaurateur in New York, Laurent Saillard returned to his native France in 2008. Laurent began working for Loire producer Noëlla Morantin, where he learnt from the ground up how to work in the vineyard and cellar. In 2012, Laurent made his first vintage under his own name, which was just a single cask of Sauvignon Blanc, but since then things have really taken off.

When Didier Barouillet decided to close the legendary Clos Roche Blanche in 2014, Laurent was ready to take over. The old vines are on an elevated plateau, surrounded by forest and separated from other farmers with a less conscientious approach to vineyard work. Laurent made the first vintages in Noëlla's cellar, but the increase in production made it necessary for him to have his own cellar where he could handle the larger volumes.

Laurent Saillard is a pleasure to work with, and his first priority is to make sure everything is in order. He is curious, attentive and self-confident, but will always give his honest opinion if he is not happy with his own wines. The cellar works with minimal intervention, spontaneous fermentation, no added sulphur, no fining or filtration, and ageing in old barrels or vats. The style is juicy and delicious, but always with an element of something more serious. It is never just a "glou-glou" wine, but certainly a wine that invites you to open another bottle.