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