What is Silex?

Silex soil, colloquially referred to as flinty soil, possesses distinctive characteristics rooted in its gravelly composition, frequently mirroring the appearance of fragmented flint or silica elements that vary in color from muted gray to shades of brown or even hints of reddish hues. This soil type exhibits exceptional drainage capabilities, rendering it an optimal choice for the cultivation of grapevines. Notably, it is imbued with an abundance of minerals, most notably flint and silica, which exert a profound influence on the sensory attributes of wines derived from grapes grown in silex-rich soils. These wines often bear the hallmark of mineral, flinty, and smoky notes.

Silex soil takes on particular significance in the context of Sauvignon Blanc production in the renowned wine regions of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé in France. The unique terroir bestowed by silex soils elevates the quality and distinctiveness of wines crafted from this grape variety, thereby cementing the reputation of these regions as the vanguards of excellence in the expression of Sauvignon Blanc.

Wines that trace their origins to silex-rich soils reveal a multitude of captivating characteristics, which include:

1. Mineral Notes: Silex imparts a discernible mineral or stony dimension to the wines, often described in terms of its flinty or smoky nuances. This mineral essence contributes multifaceted complexity and depth to the aromatic and flavor profiles of the wines.
2. Crisp Acidity: Sancerre wines hailing from silex soils consistently manifest a heightened acidity profile, underscoring their invigorating and vivacious nature. This inherent acidity renders them an exceptional accompaniment to an array of culinary delights.
3. Citrus and Floral Aromas: Wines nurtured in Sancerre's silex soils frequently exude a bouquet of citrus fruit aromas, encompassing notes reminiscent of lemon and grapefruit. In addition, subtle floral nuances further enhance the aromatic ensemble, harmoniously complementing the mineral and acidic components of the wine.

This week we are offering two wines that truly represent what Sancerre is known for!

Alphonse Dolly

Cuvee Silex Sancerre 2022

Domaine Pierre Prieur

Les Silex Sancerre 2022

Normally $119.98, get both wines for just $99.99!

Alphonse Dolly

Cuvee Silex Sancerre 2022

Loire, France



Fresh, bright, clean Sancerre with great aromatics, hints of white flowers and a very dry, crisp finish.

$59.99

This family owned estate in the Loire riverside village of Thauvenay in the Sancerre appellation has been producing exceptionally bright, fresh clean Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs for several generations. Old sea bottom vineyards with clay-limestone soils, some combined with flint outcroppings, provide perfectly balanced fruit for the Sancerre, Pouilly Fume, and Menetou-Salon appellations.

The white wines are fermented for 4 weeks in temperature-controlled stainless steel and kept 5 months on the lies for extra body and texture. The reds undergo a 48 hour maceration and spend 9 months in Troncais oak barrels.

The Cuvee Silex wines are special cuvees made exclusively for Chemin des Vins from flint (Silex) soils. They combine the fresh citric fruit of the Sauvignon Blanc with lovely floral elements and a pronounced layer of minerality in the nose and on the palate from the flint.

Domaine Pierre Prieur

Les Silex Sancerre 2022

Loire, France



This wine presents a captivating nose with yellow fruit notes and a subtle hint of grapefruit for freshness. Its palate is rich and full-bodied, and it concludes with a refreshing and distinctly mineral finish, making for a delightful and well-balanced tasting experience.

$59.99

Generations of wine growers, passionate about their craft, have forged Prieur family’s history in the Sancerre wine region by farming great vineyards located in the most prestigious terroirs of the area.

The uniqueness of the wines of Sancerre comes from the marriage of a specific terroir and the two grape varieties selected by Prieur first generation: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

The history of the Prieur family domaine has unfolded in prestigious Sancerre terroirs such as Les Monts Damnés, Les Bouffants and le Chêne Marchand over eleven generations.

The Domaine is still family managed by siblings Bruno and Thierry and covers roughly 15 hectares (12 hectares of which are planted with Sauvignon Blanc and 3 with Pinot Noir). Bruno’s son Sebastien is also involved in the project.