The French vineyards of Sancerre (Loire Valley) extend over the natural series of hillsides of Sancerrois, on 6,920 acres of land, producing 164,000 hectolitres per year. The white wines are made from Sauvignon, while the red and rosé wines are made from Pinot Noir. The vines are planted on steep lands with many different microclimates.
These conditions produce highly complex wines. The hills of Sancerre protect the vines from wind and rain, which favours the perfect ripening of the grapes. The white Sancerre wine has a pale gold colour. It develops citrus fragrances that blend with mint, fern or acacia. It fills up the palate with magnificent honey and orange blossom aromas. The red Sancerre wine has a ruby colour with a dark-red Morello cherry nose. On the palate, it is supple thanks to the soft tannins. The rosé Sancerre wine is a fresh and fruity wine that releases lovely peach aromas. For a great food and wine pairing, the white Sancerre wines will go wonderfully hand in hand with fish, white meats (lamb, veal, etc.) and you will also enjoy it with goat cheeses, especially with the famous “Crottin de Chavignol” cheese. The Sancerre red wine is best paired with game. The rosé Sancerre wines will be perfect as an aperitif, and they will also perfectly complement white meats.
The AOC Sancerre applies to the 3 colours of wines. These elegant and racy drinks seduce consumers from all walks of life. It should be mentioned that the vineyard has existed for centuries.
The Sancerre vineyards have existed for many centuries. This is mentioned in documents dating back to the year 582. However, Roman authors had already mentioned it in their writings. They referred to a Gallic plantation located on the banks of the Loire River (current location of the appellation).
More specifically, the production area is located on the left bank of the Loire, east of Bourges. It is located on hillsides that follow perfectly the river's contours. It also benefits from good exposure and natural protection from the elements.
The Sancerre wine terroir is composed of 3 types of soil. These are clotted, dry limestone with a lot of stones, as well as siliceous soils rich in flint and Kimmeridgian marls.
A deteriorated oceanic climate blows on the AOC Sancerre. The western part of the area, located near the Pays Fort massif, is less affected by climatic conditions. This can be explained by the presence of mountains.
The Sancerre farm covers nearly 3,000 hectares. More than 300 families participate in the annual production of 164 000 hectolitres of Sancerre wines. This number corresponds to 25 million bottles, comprising 75% whites, 20% reds and 5% rosés.
The drinks in the area are all single-grape varieties, i.e. they are the fruit of a single type of grape. The whites are made from Sauvignon while Pinot Noir produces reds and rosés.
Sancerre white wines are characterized by their pale green-gold colour and citrus scents with a hint of mint, fern or acacia. On the nose, a dominance of blackcurrant or wood aromas is noticeable.
Over time, smells of narcissus, broom or flint may appear. On the palate, the whites release flavours of quince, orange, blackcurrant, apple or honey.
The red Sancerre wines have a beautiful ruby hue. When you smell it, you will detect notes of morello cherries, cherries and venison. The grape varieties that grow on the white soils of the appellation develop a full-bodied taste once vinified.
Those planted on the clotted vines have light and elegant flavours. Drinks made from flinty soils, on the other hand, have a flinty taste. Sancerre rosé wines, for their part, have a grey colour. They are recognizable by their peachy smell. They will surprise you with their fresh and fruity taste.
Passing through Champtin south of Sancerre, make a stop at Domaine Roger Champault. The winegrowers there work the sauvignon and pinot noir grapes with respect for the environment. Every year, they offer white, red and rosé Sancerre wines. Find out how they produce quality drinks and take the opportunity to purchase Sancerre wines.
It is important to know that Sancerrean drinks sublimate many dishes. They go perfectly with starters, cold cuts, poultry and seafood. Sancerre whites, reds or rosés go well with ceviche, rabbit with savory or sauerkraut with garnish.
After a purchase of Sancerre wines, you can also prepare a monkfish banquet or fish soup. And why not quail in vine leaf or cockerel with fresh figs?
