The family domaine was founded by Edouard Vocoret in 1870 in Chablis, expanding from its original base in the old town as Domaine Robert Vocoret. His sons Michel and Claude handed over to their sons, Jérôme (vineyards), Patrice (cellar) subsequently joined by Sylvain as well. It is understood that as this generation is reaching retirement age, the domaine is up for sale – though several 1er Cru and Grand Cru vineyards have already been transferred to Domaine E & E Vocoret.

The domaine is housed in what used to be the region’s dairy cooperative, which gives them plenty of room to vinify, mature and stock the wines from their 38 hectare domaine. Different rooms house stainless steel tanks, large old wooden foudres, more recent 500 litre demi-muids and even an amphora or two.

Patrice Vocoret is a relaxed and engaging man, content to oversee production of correctly made Chablis which finds a ready market at sensible prices. I did find a considerable difference between the old vine cuvées of the 1ers crus, and indeed the grands crus, compared to the regular bottling. Nowadays nearly half the domaine is picked by hand, the top vineyards and the old vines.