Located in the heart of the Sancerre Region in Chavignol, the Delaporte Domaine has been handed from father to son for generations since the 17th century. Through an organic approach undertaken in the last generation and judicious oak usage, their wines deliver subtlety, finesse and aromatic complexity.

Le Cul de Beaujeu location has long been recognised as a top spot for Pinot Noir and was planted as far back as the Middle Ages by the clergy and known as ‘Clos de Beaujeu’. 

An exceptional terroir which has been recognized for centuries, Domaine Delaporte is unique in cultivating Pinot Noir in this prestigious location.

Since 2015, the grapes have almost exclusively been picked by hand in boxes of 12kg.

– Maceration about 25 days between 18°C and 25°C, malolactic fermentation.
– 100% in French Oak barrels for 12 months in 228L barrels  (25% new, 25% one wine, 25% 2 wines and 25% 3 wines).
– No fining nor filtering before bottling

Toasty hints of cocoa, and coffee linger in the background, along with hints of cherry pie. There is also a pleasant animal hint as the wine opens up, adding depth and intrigue to the bouquet.
On the palate, the Cul de Beaujeu Rouge is rich and textured, offering a velvety mouthfeel with silky tannins. Flavours of blueberry tart and red hedgerow fruits take the fore, with subtle earthy notes enhancing its complexity. The wine’s finish is long and satisfying, characterised by crunchy red fruit. This Pinot Noir will be an excellent partner for veal, mushroom risotto, or beef bourguignon.

Wine Enthusiast – 94 points (2020)

Aged in wood for 10 months, this wine has weight and richness that are underlined by the density and juicy acidity. It provides a fine example of Pinot Noir from Sancerre, with intensity and a promising future. Drink from 2025.

Wine Advocate – 93 points (2018)

Domaine Delaporte is the only estate that has chosen to express the unique terroir of Le Cul de Beaujeu through the lens of Pinot Noir, resulting in the exquisite and captivating 2018 Le Cul de Beaujeu with aromas of mint, menthol, dark berries, pencil lead and plum. Impressively balanced with a moderately weighted structure, it’s layered and seamless with terrific concentration allied with excellent tension. Matured 12 months in barrels (25% new oak, 25% one-year barrels, 25% two-year barrels and 25% three-year barrels) and vinified along traditional lines, it’s a complete wine that can age gracefully over the next decade.