What exactly IS Sancerre?

Greetings Friend!

Sometimes we know we like a wine but not what it actually is. Take Sancerre, for example. Most think of Sancerre as a bright, refreshing, minerally white wine, which it is. Sancerre is actually a wine region in France's Loire Valley. Sauvignon Blanc is the grape that white Sancerre wine is made from.  It is also the same grape that you can find in New Zealand, California, New York and pretty much the rest of the world.

The terrain, type of soil, proximity to the Loire River, weather conditions, and wine-making all come together to create a consistent style of white wine. In France (and other parts of Europe) they will call a wine by the name of the town or region. Think Burgundy, Chianti, Champagne, and Rioja. All names of places, not grapes.

Here is an excellent example of a white Sancerre (yes, there is red Sancerre).

JEAN-PAUL PICARD & FILS SANCERRE, FRANCE 2023 $29.99

You can find remarkable similarity in Sauvignon Blancs from up and down the Loire  river. One example is Touraine, another town where you can find Sauvignon Blanc that tastes like Sancerre. Try this one when you're ready to branch out.

F. CHIDAINE CLOS DE LA GRANGE TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC, FRANCE 2023 $18.99

Be nice to that person you don't like.

Please enjoy!

Mike Mraz