Emile
Benon (1994)
Benon
was a first generation vigneron,
having spent most of his working life excavating wells. He bought land on
the plateau of Epiré and planted five hectares of vines in 1991,
christening the site ‘Le Grand Hamé. In 1994 he built a cellar,
producing his first wine the same year. In 2003 he approached Saget, the
Sancerre grower-negociant, to buy his vines. Although now retired, Benon
maintained half a hectare of vines which he rented out to Vincent Ogereau.
In 2007, he sold his cellar to Damien Laureau, although he still lives in
the house next door.