Sancerre

The Loire Valley's superstar.Sancerre is undoubtedly the most famous and important of all the Loire Valley appellations. Sancerre's Sauvignon Blanc is popular worldwide and is one of the most popular wines in the world. But rosé and Pinot Noir reds are also big hits here. 

Where exactly is Sancerre?

It's always easy to say that the Sancerre appellation is located in the Loire Valley. After all, as is well known, this is very large. After all, the Loire is the longest river in France at over 1,000 kilometres! So let's narrow it down a bit. The 3,000 hectares of vineyards nestle around the town of Sancerre. Which also makes it immediately clear where the appellation gets its name from. And this village is located on the left bank of the upper Loire – directly opposite Pouilly-Fumé, to be precise.

The vines here usually thrive at an altitude of between 200 and 300 metres above sea level. In 1939, Sancerre received its appellation status. However, initially only for the white wines. It took another 20 years before the reds could also be officially bottled under the name. Which brings us directly to the next question.

Which grapes are allowed for Sancerre?

The great, great Sancerre star is clearly the white Sauvignon Blanc grape variety, which, by the way, is also said to have originated here. The wines made from it are still considered one of two Sauvignon Blanc ideals in the world. Accordingly, 80 percent of the vineyards are planted with Sauvignon Blanc. This makes it somewhat difficult for Pinot Noir to assert itself. This grape is the other major grape variety in Sancerre, from which not only succulent red wines are pressed, but also refined rosés. This wine colour has been allowed together with red wine.

For a long time, the winemakers in Sancerre hardly produced any rosé wines. But in the past 10 years, the quantities have steadily increased. A stroke of luck, because rosé wines have their own unique charm. Fun fact: although Sancerre is now best known for Sauvignon Blanc, a completely different grape variety was the star of the appellation until after the Second World War. Namely, the red Gamay. It was only in the 1970s and 1980s that winemakers developed the cult status for Sauvignon Blanc.

Climate and soils in Sancerre

Gamay is now virtually non-existent in Sancerre. And if it is, the wines are not allowed to bear the name of the appellation on the label. But perhaps it is just as well that almost exclusively Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are now grown in Sancerre. Both varieties thrive in the continental climate, which is strongly influenced by the leisurely and broad meandering of the Loire. Sancerre faces the Loire: the climate here is measurably milder than in areas further from the river at a similar latitude.

Then there are the soils. Roughly speaking, the vines thrive exclusively on slopes. The soils here are characterised by clay, limestone and silex. The name silex immediately brings Puilly-Fumé to mind. And that's a good thing. This distinctive flint soil is not as pronounced in Sancerre as it is in the municipality on the opposite bank. The limestone soil, also known as Kimmeridge, is much more important. This is a particularly hard limestone. There is a fun fact here, too. Kimmeridgean soils can also be found in Champagne, Chablis and on the south coast of England. This guarantees a steely, radiant wine character, which brings us seamlessly to the flavour profile of Sancerre wines.

What does a Sancerre wine taste like?

As a rule, green and grassy aromas dominate the nose of Sauvignon Blanc wines. They shine with hints of gooseberry, citrus fruit and green apple. Mineral nuances are also often added. The wines impress with a great deal of finesse and can also age well, although they are usually aged exclusively in stainless steel tanks.

The red wines usually have a delicate cherry note and particularly fine tannins. They also have a balanced acidity and an elegant character. This is also evident in the rosé wines, but they are more delicate and delicate. Well-known producers include Edmond Vatan, Cotat, Henri Bougeois and Lucien Croche.

What food goes well with Sancerre wines?

It is precisely this delicacy that makes Sancerre rosé wines such excellent summer food companions. Whether grilled prawns, a crisp salad or grilled clams, a Sancerre Rosé is a great accompaniment. The red wines, meanwhile, go very well with delicate veal or dishes with aubergines or artichokes.

A Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre, whether young or well-aged, goes well not only with seafood but also with pâtés, charcuterie and cheese. Discover the variety of Sancerre at Best of Wines now!