Today I was dreaming about a small village nestled in the French countryside, rows of grape vines, and an elegant white wine that I have been fond of for several years…Sancerre. If you have read some of my other blogs, you’ll know that I have a love of Sauvignon Blanc. This grape grows in many areas of the world, but my two favorites are New Zealand and France. Yes, Sancerre is made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in the limestone rich Upper Loire region of France. The Loire River runs along the village of Sancerre and keeps the temperatures on the cooler side which is the perfect environment for growing Sauvignon Blanc.
Every time I pull out a bottle of Sancerre, some of my friends inevitably ask what it is. Even though they are familiar with Sauvignon Blanc, from California or New Zealand, they are confused about why this French white wine is so cagy about its origins. Actually, Sancerre wine has been made in the Loire region for many, many years. It is considered to be one of the best aromatic expressions of Sauvignon Blanc.
So, let’s get down to it. A Sancerre from the Loire will be very dry. It has flavors and aromas of grass and a distinct minerality from the limestone, chalky soil found in this region of France. Fruit-wise: zesty citrus (grapefruit, lime, lemon), gooseberry, peach, green apple. There are also some honeysuckle and herbal notes. This wine is dry, light bodied, and can be tart. It is easy drinking on a warm day for sure. Serve at about 45-55 degrees F and definitely no need to decant.
If you are a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc drinker, perhaps with wine from the Marlborough region, compare this with a Sancerre. I think you’ll find that the Sancerre is a bit less grassy. If that is something that turns you off from NZ Sauvignon Blanc, try a Sancerre! Same sense of refreshment, less grassy taste.
Sancerre is a great wine to pair with lots of different foods and cheeses. Here’s a list of some that you may enjoy!
 Meat: Pork chops, Roasted chicken, Roasted turkey
Fish: Shrimp, Salmon, Trout, Bass, Oysters
Cheese: Goat Cheese, Camembert, Gruyere, Brie, Feta
Vegetables: Zucchini, Summer Squash, Salad greens, Cauliflower, Asparagus, Green Pepper
A bottle of Sancerre can be purchased at your favorite wine shop for anywhere from $10-$60. It’s a wide range but if you want to get a better bottle, expect to pay $25-$40. The difference between a $10 bottle and a $25 bottle is in the complexity of the wine. So, I’d invest in a middle of the road bottle if you want to try Sancerre and get all the benefits of this delicious wine. When you’re picking one out, try looking for Sancerre from the villages of Chavignol, Bué and Ménétréol for excellent wines.
But don’t take my word for it…check out a Sancerre and see what you think. Take a chance, you may remain a New Zealand or California Sauvignon Blanc drinker, but you may discover a new favorite in Sancerre!
Cheers!