Sancerre (wine)

French wine region

Sancerre, France

Sancerre is a renowned wine region located in the eastern part of the Loire Valley in France. It is famous for its crisp, aromatic white wines made predominantly from the Sauvignon blanc grape. The region also produces red and rosé wines from the Pinot noir grape.

Geography and Climate

Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé within France

Sancerre is situated on the left bank of the Loire River, approximately 200 kilometers south of Paris. The region's vineyards are planted on a series of hills and slopes, which provide excellent drainage and exposure to sunlight. The climate is continental, with cold winters and warm summers, which contributes to the distinctive character of the wines.

Soil and Terroir

The terroir of Sancerre is diverse, with three main types of soil: "terres blanches" (white earth), "caillottes" (pebbly limestone), and "silex" (flint). Each soil type imparts unique characteristics to the wines. The "terres blanches" are rich in clay and limestone, producing wines with structure and longevity. "Caillottes" soils are known for producing wines with finesse and minerality, while "silex" soils contribute to the flinty, smoky notes often associated with Sancerre wines.

Wine Production

Sancerre vineyards

The Sancerre appellation covers approximately 2,800 hectares of vineyards. The majority of the production is white wine, with Sauvignon blanc accounting for about 80% of the vineyard area. The remaining 20% is planted with Pinot noir, used to produce both red and rosé wines.

The winemaking process in Sancerre emphasizes the expression of terroir. Many producers use stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh, fruity character of the wines, although some also use oak barrels for fermentation and aging to add complexity.

Characteristics of Sancerre Wines

Sancerre wines are known for their vibrant acidity, aromatic intensity, and mineral-driven profiles. The white wines typically exhibit notes of citrus, green apple, and gooseberry, with a distinctive flinty minerality. The red wines are light to medium-bodied, with flavors of red berries and a subtle earthiness. Rosé wines from Sancerre are fresh and lively, with delicate fruit flavors.

Food Pairing

Sancerre with smoked salmon

Sancerre wines are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. The crisp acidity and minerality of the white wines make them an excellent match for seafood, particularly shellfish and white fish. They also complement goat cheese, a local specialty of the region. The red wines pair well with poultry, pork, and light meat dishes, while the rosé wines are perfect for summer salads and charcuterie.

Winemaking Techniques

Composite fermentation tanks

Winemakers in Sancerre employ a range of techniques to enhance the quality and expression of their wines. The use of temperature-controlled fermentation helps preserve the aromatic qualities of the Sauvignon blanc grape. Some producers experiment with natural fermentation and minimal intervention to highlight the unique characteristics of their vineyards.

Related Pages

• Loire Valley (wine)
• Sauvignon blanc
• Pinot noir
• French wine