Sancerre is a French wine region located in the eastern part of the Loire Valley. The area is known for producing some of the finest white wines in France, which are made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown on chalky and flinty soils.
The Sancerre region covers an area of approximately 2,700 hectares and includes 14 communes. It has a long history of winemaking dating back to Roman times, and its wines have been celebrated by poets and writers throughout history. Today, Sancerre is recognized as one of the premier wine regions in France, renowned for its crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blancs that showcase the unique terroir of the Loire Valley.
The History of Sancerre Wine Appellation
Located in the eastern part of France, Sancerre is a wine appellation that has been producing some of the best wines in the world for centuries. The history of Sancerre wine dates back to the Roman Empire when grape cultivation was introduced to this region. However, it was not until the Middle Ages when viticulture took off in full swing and led to an explosion of vineyards across Sancerre.
The unique terroir and favorable climate conditions made Sancerre a perfect place for grape cultivation, which eventually led to its recognition as an official wine appellation in 1936. The first AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) regulations were set up in 1959, and since then, strict guidelines have been put into place to ensure that only high-quality wines are produced under the name ‘Sancerre.
What is the Difference Between Sauvignon Blanc and Sancerre Wine?
Sauvignon Blanc and Sancerre are two popular types of white wine that are often associated with one another. Although they may seem similar, there are some key differences between the two that set them apart.
One of the main differences between Sauvignon Blanc and Sancerre is their place of origin. Sauvignon Blanc can be produced in various countries around the world, including New Zealand, South Africa, California, and France. On the other hand, Sancerre is a type of Sauvignon Blanc that specifically comes from the Loire Valley in France. This region is known for producing high-quality wines that highlight the unique terroir (soil composition) of the area.
In terms of taste, Sauvignon Blanc tends to be more fruit-forward than Sancerre.
Wine Characteristics of Sancerre Wine
Unique Terroir of Sancerre appellation
The Sancerre appellation in the Loire Valley of France is known for producing some of the most distinctive and unique wines in the world. This region boasts a terroir that is unlike any other, with its combination of limestone soils, cool climate, and steep slopes creating ideal growing conditions for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes.
One of the key factors that sets Sancerre apart from other wine regions is its geology. The soils here are primarily composed of Kimmeridgian limestone, which contains ancient marine fossils and minerals that impart a distinct minerality to the wines produced here. These rocky soils also help to regulate water flow through the vines, leading to grapes with intense flavor concentration.
In addition to its unique geology, Sancerre’s cool climate plays an important role in shaping its wines.
The Extraordinary Sancerre Wine Styles
The Sancerre region, located in the eastern part of the Loire Valley in France, is known worldwide for its exceptional white wines. The area covers 14 villages and over 2,700 hectares of vineyards. Although the region’s name is synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc, there are other grape varieties used to make wine in this area.
Sauvignon Blanc Wines from Sancerre
Sauvignon Blanc is undoubtedly the most famous grape variety grown in Sancerre. This grape produces a crisp and refreshing white wine with aromas of citrus fruits, gooseberries, and grassy notes. The terroir plays a crucial role in giving these sauvignon blanc vines wines their unique character: flinty soils provide minerality while limestone soils give floral aromas. These Sancerre sauvignon blanc wines pair well fish light fish or goat cheese.
In addition to Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir grapes are also grown in Sancerre.
Pinot Noir Wines from Sancerre
If you are a fan of Pinot Noir wines, then you should definitely try those from Sancerre. Located in the Loire Valley region of France, Sancerre is known for producing some of the finest Pinot Noir wines in the world. These red wines have a unique taste and aroma that can only be found in this region.
The Pinot Noir grape variety grown in Sancerre benefits from the cool climate and limestone soil, which gives them their distinctive flavor. The wine produced has a light body and delicate tannins that make it perfect to drink with food or on its own. The flavors often include notes of red fruit such as cherry and raspberry, along with hints of earthiness.
Sancerre’s Pinot Noir wines are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes including roasted meats, mushroom risotto, and even grilled salmon.
What does Sancerre wine taste like?
Sancerre wine is a dry, white wine that hails from the Loire Valley region of France. It is made exclusively with Sauvignon Blanc grapes and is known for its elegant, crisp flavors and refreshing acidity. The wine has a pale gold or straw-like color with greenish hues.
When sipping Sancerre, you can expect to experience aromas of citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, and grapefruit. You may also detect hints of green apple, gooseberry, and even some floral notes like elderflower or jasmine.
On the palate, Sancerre delivers a bright and lively sensation with zesty acidity that balances out the fruit flavors beautifully. There’s often a subtle minerality present in the finish – almost flinty – which adds complexity to this delicious white wine.
Sancerre Wine Taste, Characteristics, And Food Pairings
Sancerre is a famous wine region that is located in the eastern Loire Valley of France. The region is known for producing high-quality white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The wine has a crisp and refreshing taste, with citrus, mineral, and herbaceous notes.
When it comes to food pairing, Sancerre pairs perfectly with seafood dishes. Fish like salmon, trout, and shrimp are ideal as they do not overpower the delicate flavors of the wine. Lightly seasoned fish dishes are also good options as they allow the freshness of the Sancerre to shine through. Additionally, white Sancerre also can be paired with creamy cheeses like goat cheese or Brie.
Another great food pairing for Sancerre is salads and vegetable dishes. The crisp acidity of the wine complements fresh greens well while its herbal notes enhance the flavors of vegetables such as asparagus or artichokes.
10 Best Sancerre Wines To Buy In 2023 (Including Tasting Notes, Pricing)
Isabelle Garrault Les Grands Monts Sancerre Blanc
We recently tried Isabelle Garrault Les Grands Monts Sancerre Blanc and was blown away by its crisp and refreshing taste. The wine had a bright acidity that perfectly balanced the subtle notes of citrus and minerality.
It was a fantastic pairing with my seafood dinner and would be a great addition to any summer gathering. I highly recommend giving this Sancerre Blanc a try if you’re looking for a high-quality white wine.
Edmond Vatan Sancerre Clos la Neore, Loire, France
This wine is a true masterpiece with its beautiful golden color and delicate aromas of both citrus fruit and white flowers. The taste is crisp and refreshing with notes of lemon, grapefruit, and a hint of minerality. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that lingers on the palate.
The Edmond Vatan Sancerre, Clos la Neore, is among the top 1% of sauvignon blanc wines world wide which is reflected by the high price.
Louis-Benjamin – Didier Dagueneau Sancerre ‘Le Mont Damne’
The 2010 Louis-Benjamin – Didier Dagueneau Sancerre ‘Le Mont Damne is a wine that brings together the best of both worlds. It is a product of the collaboration between two great winemakers, Louis-Benjamin and Didier Dagueneau, who have combined their expertise to create a unique blend that showcases the terroir of Sancerre.
This wine has an intense nose with notes of lemon peel, green apple, and minerality. On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing with vibrant acidity and flavors of citrus fruits such as grapefruit and lime zest. The finish is long and persistent with a lingering hint of stone fruit and flinty minerality.
The grapes used in this wine are sourced from one of the most renowned vineyards in Sancerre, ‘Le Mont Damne.
Domaine Vacheron Sancerre ‘L’Enclos des Remparts’, Loire, France
The 2018 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre ‘L’Enclos des Remparts’, Loire, France is a wine that embodies the essence of its terroir. This wine is produced in the Loire region of France, which is known for its limestone cliffs and rolling hills. The grapes used to make this wine are grown on vines that are planted on the slopes of these hills, where they benefit from the cool climate and mineral-rich soil.
The winemakers at Domaine Vacheron have a deep respect for nature, and this is reflected in their farming practices. They use organic and biodynamic methods to grow their grapes, which means that they do not use any synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. As a result, the grapes are able to develop their own natural defenses against pests and diseases, producing healthier and more flavorful fruit.
Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Jadis, Loire, France
The 2011 Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Jadis is a stunning Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire region of France. This wine is known for its incredible complexity, with notes of citrus and tropical fruits melding together seamlessly. On the palate, it offers refreshing acidity and a long, elegant finish.
One of the key factors that makes this wine so special is its aging process. The grapes are harvested by hand and fermented in stainless steel tanks, before being aged on their lees for 10-12 months. This allows the wine to develop a rich texture and depth of flavor that cannot be achieved through other methods. As a result, the 2011 Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Jadis has become one of the most sought-after white wines in France today.
Francois Cotat Sancerre Cuvee Paul, Loire, France
The 2012 Francois Cotat Sancerre Cuvee Paul is one of the most exceptional wines from the Loire, France. This wine is made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes that are grown on steep slopes with limestone and flint soils. The result of this unique terroir is a wine that has an intense minerality and complex character.
Upon opening the bottle, you will be greeted by an aroma of fresh citrus fruits, floral notes, and a touch of smokiness. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied with a creamy texture that coats your mouth in flavors of lemon zest, green apple, and grapefruit. The finish is long-lasting with a touch of salinity that leaves you wanting more.
This vintage from Francois Cotat has received high praise from critics around the world for its exceptional quality and ability to age gracefully.
Alphonse Mellot Sancerre Generation XIX Rouge, Loire, France
The 2016 Alphonse Mellot Sancerre Generation XIX Rouge is a stunning red wine hailing from the Loire region of France. This wine is made using only the finest Pinot Noir grapes from Mellot’s estate vineyards. Which are located in some of the most sought-after terroirs of the Sancerre appellation.
To create this exceptional wine, Mellot employs traditional winemaking techniques that have been passed down through generations of his family. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted before being fermented with natural yeasts in oak barrels. The result is a wine that boasts an intense bouquet of red fruits, spices, and earthy notes on the nose. It is followed by a rich and complex palate that offers flavors of ripe cherries, blackcurrants, and hints of vanilla.
Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Rouge ‘Les Marnes’, Loire, France
The 2010 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Rouge ‘Les Marnes’ is a delicious red wine from the Loire region of France. The wine has a deep ruby color and a complex aroma of ripe black fruits, spices, and herbs. It is made from Pinot Noir grapes grown on chalky soils known as “marnes” which give the wine its unique character.
On the palate, the 2010 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Rouge ‘Les Marnes’ is smooth and elegant. It shows well-integrated tannins and a long finish. The flavors of black cherries, plums, and hints of vanilla are balanced by lively acidity and minerality. This makes this wine perfect for pairing with grilled meats or dishes featuring mushrooms or truffles.
Does Sancerre Wine Age Well and Is It Investment Worthy?
Many people wonder whether Sancerre wine ages well and if it’s worth investing in.
The answer to these questions depends on the producer, vintage year, and storage conditions of the wine. Generally speaking, Sancerre wines do not have a long aging potential compared to other white wines like Chardonnay or Riesling.
However, certain producers make Sancerre wines that can age gracefully for up to 10 years or more. Moreover, some vintages are better suited for aging than others based on climatic conditions during that particular harvest year.
