The wineries included Domaine Trapet in Gevrey-Chambertin, Te Mata in New Zealand and three producers in Sancerre, Domaine Pinard, Domaine Alphonse Mellot and Chateau de Sancerre. Looking to broaden his wine making experience, Clément left his little enclave of Maimbray to work in various wineries from 2004–2009. With Rémy nearing retirement, Julien and Clément manage the 18 hectares of vines across 45 different parcels, three quarters Sauvignon Blanc and the rest Pinot Noir. In 2001 Rémy’s son Julien stepped in as vigneron and the three created a new name, Domaine du Pré Semelé (pronounced pray sem-ill-ay, it is the name of the plot of land on which the winery sits.) Claude retired in 2009 and Remy’s son Clément became the winemaker. Maurice’s sons Claude and Rémy followed suit in 1988 expanding the holdings, 12ha. Grandfather Maurice worked the vineyards, 3ha, with his brother Camille. It is here that three generations of the family Raimbault have grown grapes and made wine. There you will find Maimbray, Sury en Vaux, a little hamlet nestled at the foot of hillside vineyards. This is another wonderful example of the younger generation taking over the reins of a family estate and elevating it to a new, higher level.Īs you weave your way down from the hilltop town of Sancerre, world renown for the region’s wines made from Sauvignon Blanc, you pass Monts Damés, one of the most famous vineyards of Sancerre, through the tiny town of Chavignol, famous for little goat cheeses called “crottin,” you climb over the hill of Monts Damés and down into a little valley.

They are guided by their father Rémy, who has worked the vineyards for decades with his brother Claude. The estate is now managed by the third generation of the family Raimbault, brothers Julien and Clément, vigneron and winemaker, respectively. Domaine du Pré Semelé lies in a tiny valley a few miles northwest of the hilltop town of Sancerre.

Sancerre wine grape type