Sancerre

The Sancerre wine region (Loire Valley) spans the natural landscape of the Sancerrois hills, covering 2,800 hectares, with an annual production of 164,000 hectoliters. The white wines are made from Sauvignon Blanc, while the red and rosé wines are made from Pinot Noir. The vines are planted on steep slopes with numerous microclimates. These conditions produce wines of great complexity. The Sancerrois hills protect the vines from wind and rain, which is conducive to the ripening of the grapes. Visually, white Sancerre is pale gold. It develops citrus aromas that blend with notes of mint, fern, and acacia. The wine fills the mouth with honey and orange blossom. The red Sancerre has a ruby color with a nose of morello cherry. On the palate, the wine is supple thanks to its well-integrated tannins. Sancerre rosé is a fresh and fruity wine with peach aromas. When it comes to food and wine pairings, white wines pair wonderfully with fish, white meats (lamb, veal, etc.), and goat cheeses—particularly the famous Crottin de Chavignol. Red wines pair best with game, primarily. As for rosés, they are perfect as an aperitif, but also pair well with white meats. The Sancerre Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) applies to all three wine colors. These elegant and refined wines appeal to consumers from all walks of life. It’s important to note that the vineyard has existed for centuries. The Loire Valley is rich in appellations d’origine contrôlée, but we particularly love Sancerre. The Sancerre vineyard is diverse, featuring grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc. The Sancerre appellation has a very rich history. The Sancerre vineyard has existed for several centuries. This fact is mentioned in documents dating back to the year 582. However, Roman authors had already referred to it in their writings. They described a Gallic vineyard located on the banks of the Loire (the appellation’s current location). More specifically, the production area is located on the left bank of the Loire, east of Bourges. It is situated on hillsides that perfectly follow the contours of the river. It also benefits from good sun exposure and natural protection from the elements. The Sancerre wine-growing terroir consists of three types of soil. These include “caillottes”—very stony, dry limestone—as well as siliceous soils rich in flint and Kimmeridgian marl. A modified oceanic climate prevails in the Sancerre AOC. The western part of the region, located near the Pays Fort mountain range, is less affected by weather conditions. This is due to the presence of the mountains. A Few Things to Know About the Sancerre Appellation The Sancerre wine-growing region spans nearly 3,000 hectares. More than 300 families contribute to the annual production of 164,000 hectoliters of Sancerre wines. This figure corresponds to 25 million bottles, comprising 75% white wines, 20% Sancerre red wines, and 5% rosé wines. The wines from this region are all single-varietal, meaning they are made from a single type of grape. The whites are made from Sauvignon Blanc, while Pinot Noir is used to produce the reds and rosés. Sancerre white wines are distinguished by their pale green-gold color and citrus aromas accented with a hint of mint, fern, or acacia. On the nose, dominant aromas of blackcurrant or wood are notable. Over time, scents of narcissus, broom, or flint may emerge. On the palate, the whites reveal flavors of quince, orange, blackcurrant, apple, and even honey. Sancerre reds boast a beautiful ruby hue. Upon smelling them, you’ll detect notes of morello cherries, cherries, and game. The Sancerre vineyards are well worth a visit. When passing through Champtin, south of Sancerre, stop by Domaine Roger Champault. The winemakers there cultivate Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir using environmentally friendly methods. Each year, they offer white, red, and rosé Sancerre wines. Discover how they produce high-quality wines and take the opportunity to purchase some Sancerre wines. If you’re passing through Chers, in the central Loire Valley, stop by Domaine Berthier, where Clément and Florian will be delighted to welcome you! Under the Sancerre appellation—and beyond—they cultivate a total of 25 hectares of vineyards using sustainable viticulture: discover the region’s wines!