Centre-Loire > Sancerre
Sancerre
Appellation Sancerre
The white wines of Sancerre are among the world’s most celebrated Sauvgnon Blanc wines
Vineyard
Location: situated on the left bank of the Loire at the eastern edge of the Loire Valley. Vineyards cover a series of hillsides dominated by the “Piton” or peak of Sancerre.
Surface Area:
- White: 2,200hectares / 5,436 acres
- Red: 420 hectares / 1,038 acres
- Rosé: 200 hectares / 494 acres
Soil: There are three primary soil types: Terres Blanches (“white earth”) is compact chalk atop kimmeridgean marl is characteristic of the western part of the region; Les Caillottes is gravel and limestone; and Silex (flint) is found in the eastern vineyards.
Climate: A temperate continental climate includes an average rainfall of 32 inches/year and offers a relatively dry growing period.
Wine
Annual Production:
- White: 130,000hl / 3,434,237 gallons
- Red: 24,000 hl / 634,013 gallons
- Rosé: 9,000 hl / 237,755 gallons
Grape Varieties
- White: Sauvignon Blanc
- Red and Rosé: Pinot Noir
Growing/Production Practices: Minimum density 6,000 vines/hectare and 8-Eye simple Guyot pruning or single or double cord.
Tasting Notes
White
- Appearance: Bright, pale straw yellow
- Nose: Intense aromas of citrus fruit, minerals and grassiness
- Flavors: Refreshing and dry with fresh fruit and mineral notes and its hallmark crisp acidity
Red
- Appearance: Garnet or ruby red
- Nose: Notes of cherry and limestone
- Flavors: Light to medium bodied with brambly fruit and cherry flavors, refreshing acidity and low tannins.
Rosé
- Appearance: Pale salmon pink
- Nose: Strawberry, herbaceous notes
- Flavors: Fresh and fruity with lively acidity.
Food Pairings
- Pair white Sancerre with fresh goat cheese, shellfish and vegetable tarts
- Red Sancerre pairs well with salmon, roast chicken and mushroom pizza
- Rosé Sancerre complements Asian cuisines, charcuterie and Niçoise salad