Château La Rabotine has been in Alban Roblin’s hands since 2010, though the story here runs much deeper. His family has been growing vines in this northern corner of Sancerre for over a century, with roots in Sury-en-Vaux going back to the 1920s. Alban followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Georges Roblin, a respected name at the former Château de Maimbray. When Georges stepped back, Alban and his wife returned to the family vineyards and made La Rabotine their home.
This is a rugged, open stretch of Sancerre. The slopes are gentle but exposed, the soils thick with stones, and many of the vines are well over forty years old. Sitting at around 280 metres above sea level, the site benefits from steady airflow through the valley, keeping the vines well aerated and healthy. That natural advantage makes organic farming not just possible but practical. Certification was completed in 2025.
Sancerre Blanc 2024
Four distinct lieux-dits shape the Blanc: Les Perrières, Le Canard, La Rabotine and Côte de Valliens. Together they cover the two defining Sancerre soil types, split evenly between Terres Blanches (Kimmeridgian limestone clay) and Caillottes (Portlandian limestone). In 2024, no single site dominates, each plays an equal role in the blend.
2024 was not an easy year, and that is exactly when a good grower shows their mettle. Alban handled it brilliantly. The crop was small, but the style is pure, classic Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc.
In the cellar, everything was kept precise and straightforward: gentle bladder pressing, cold settling, temperature-controlled fermentation, then six months resting on fine lees. The wine was bottled in April, ready to ship. Without getting too technical, the pH and overall structure sit very close to 2023. As always, the acidity is entirely natural. Alban never adjusts with permitted additions such as citric or tartaric acid.
The real difference between the two vintages is simply quantity. There is much less 2024 to go around. In the glass, though, it delivers the same juicy white-fleshed stone fruit that made the 2023 so appealing. As with Alban’s Sancerre Rosé and Sancerre Rouge ‘Cuvée des Dames’, his Blanc will evolve beautifully as a little cork-time works its magic.
