Sancerre is one of the most renowned regions for producing Sauvignon Blanc in France. Located in the Loire Valley, this picturesque region produces some of the best white wines in the world. For those looing to purchase Sancerre wine in 2021, there are a variety of great options. From light and fruity styles to complex and mineral-driven wines, here are some of the best Sancerre wines to buy this year.
The 2019 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre ‘Les Romains' is an excellent choice. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc was fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged on lees for 8 months beore bottling, giving it a vibrant bouquet of citrus fruits, grassy notes, and a hint of minerality. On the palate, it has lively acidity that is balanced with delicate flavors of lemon zest, herbs, and honeydew melon. The finish is crisp and refreshing with a lingering citrus aftertaste.
Another great option is the 2018 Edmond Vatan Sancerre Clos La Neore. This wine comes from an ancient vineyard that has been owned by the same family for generations. It offers aromas of ripe peaches and apricots as well as hints of flinty minerals. On the palate, it's bright and lively with flavors of grapefruit zest, gooseberries, and tangerine that linger on the lengthy finish.
For those loking for something a bit more complex than typical Sauvignon Blancs can offer, try the 2014 Henry Marionnet Silex Sancerre ‘Les Bournais'. From limestone-rich soils comes this mineral-driven wine with notes of crushed stones intermingled with yellow pears on the nose as well as hints of honeycomb and herbs de Provence on the palate. It has more body than many other Sauvignons from this region but still maintains a bright acidity that makes it incredibly food friendly.
Finally, for a truly special experience try the 2009 Château de Fosse-Sèche Vouvray Cuvée Cailloux Secs Monopole cuvée Cailloux Secs Monopole from Château de Fosse-Sèche in Touraine—a neighboring appellation to Sancerre . It's made from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes which are carefully hand picked from old vines grown organically on limestone soils rich in clay content. On the nose you'll find aromas of green apple skin aong with notes of orange blossom and quince while on the palate there are flavors of honeycomb, juicy peach flesh and wet stone minerality that linger on its long finish. An incredible wine at an incredible price!
These are just some examples among many excellent bottles available from Sancerre this year; all worth exploring if you're interested in trying something unique or simply looking to enjoy some delicious white wine!
The Best Sancerre Wines to Try
Sancerre is a popular French white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in the Loire Valley. While thre are many excellent Sancerre wines available, some of the best-rated bottles include:
1. 2002 Edmond Vatan Sancerre Clos la Neore – This rich, full-bodied wine offers fresh aromas of pear and gooseberry, with notes of citrus and honey. On the palate it has a creamy texture and balanced acidity, making it an ideal pairing for seafood dishes or light cheeses.
2. 2010 Louis-Benjamin – Didier Dagueneau Sancerre ‘Le Mont Damne' – This intense and complex wine exhibits aromas of white flowers and ripe stone fruit, alng with subtle herbal notes on the finish. The palate is full-bodied yet refreshingly crisp, making it an excellent match for poultry or fish dishes.
3. 2018 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre ‘L'Enclos des Remparts' – This lively and aromatic wine offers bright citrus aromas that are complemented by hints of white pepper and green apple on the palate. It has a vibrant acidity that makes it perfect for pairing with salads or grilled vegetables.
No matter which bottle you choose, you can count on a delicious expression of Sancerre that will complement any meal or occasion!
The Best Sancerre: Where to Find It
The best Sancerre wines come from the Loire Valley, specifically the Sancerre district. The area is known for producing Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes, which are used to create the renowned Sancerre Rouge and Sancerre Rosé wines. The wines from this region are known for thir bright acidity and intense aromas of citrus, herbs and minerals. The terroir of the Loire Valley contributes to these characteristics, as well as its unique soils and climate. When it comes to purchasing a bottle of Sancerre, it's important to look for one that has been produced in an area with a good reputation for quality wines. Additionally, look for bottles that have been aged longer than those produced in other areas; this will ensure that you get the most out of your purchase.
The High Cost of Sancerre Wine
Sancerre is expensive because of its high quality and reputation as the premier Sauvignon Blanc region in France. This appellation has been producing excellent wines for centuries, developing a strong tradition of winemaking and a name for producing some of the best Sauvignon Blanc wines in the world. The steep slopes of the vineyards, the unique terroir, and the use of traditional winemaking methods all contribute to the quality and complexity of Sancerre wines. The limited production due to small vineyard size also contributes to its high prices. Furthermore, Sancerre is conveniently located close to Paris, making it more accessible and desirable than other French regions such as Pouilly-Fume, Reuilly, or Touraine which sit across the river or further southwest. All tese factors contribute to the higher price tag associated with Sancerre wines.
Comparing Chablis and Sancerre Wines
It is difficult to definitively say wich is better between Chablis and Sancerre as it depends on personal preference. Both are excellent white wines with unique characteristics that appeal to different palates.
Chablis is a dry white wine from the Burgundy region of France and has a crisp, mineral-driven flavour. It typically has a medium body, and its acidity is quite moderate, making it a great option for pairing with seafood dishes or lighter foods.
Sancerre is also a dry white wine from the Loire Valley in France. It has more acidity than Chablis, giving it an incredibly refreshing mouthfeel. This bright acidity makes it an ideal companion for salads and goat cheese dishes. Additionally, many Sancerres have a noticeable herbal or grassy character that adds complexity to the wine.
In conclusion, both Chablis and Sancerre are excellent white wines with distinct characteristics that make them well suited for differet occasions or pairings. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which one you prefer!
The Causes of the Shortage of Sancerre
This year has been an especialy difficult one for the producers of Sancerre. The growing season was particularly challenging, with many producers estimating their total grape yields to be down by 50% or more. In addition to this, global shipping issues and a shortage of glass, cork and paper have caused an additional strain on the production of Sancerre. All these factors combined have resulted in a shortage of Sancerre in both the domestic and international markets. While it is unfortunate that we may not be able to enjoy as much of this beloved wine in the near future, we can take comfort in knowing that the producers are doing their best to ensure that any Sancerre available is produced with the utmost care and quality.
Comparing Sancerre and Sauvignon Blanc
The answer to this question is subjective and ultimately depends on personal preference. Sancerre wine is made from 100% sauvignon blanc grapes, so the taste and quality of a bottle of Sancerre can vary depending on the specific region's soil and growing conditions. In general, Sancerre wines tend to be higher in acidity than other sauvignon blancs, giving it a sharper flavor profile. Many consumers find this zestiness appealing, while others prefer the softer taste of other sauvignon blancs. Ultimately, it's up to individuals to decide wheher they prefer Sancerre or another type of sauvignon blanc – there is no clear-cut answer as to which one is “better”.
Differences Between Sancerre and Pouilly Fuisse
Sancerre and Pouilly Fuisse are two distinct styles of white wine produced in the Loire Valley of France. While both are Sauvignon Blanc based wines, the climates and soils of their respective regions impart unique characteristics to each one.
Sancerre is located east of the Loire River, in a cooler climate that results in a wine with higher acidity and more vibrant aromas. The rocky soils also contribute to this, giving Sancerre its characteristic mineral notes. Pouilly-Fumé is located further west on the left bank of the Loire River, in warmer temperatures that lead to a softer, more rounded style of Sauvignon Blanc. The soils here are generally richer and less stony which imparts smokier notes to the wines from flint (silex) soils.
Overall, Sancerre is typically brighter, more aromatic and crisper than Pouilly Fuisse which tends to be fuller bodied, softer and slightly less aromatic.
Refrigerating Sancerre: Is It Necessary?
Yes, Sancerre should be refrigerated for optimal flavor and aroma. For best results, chill it to 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the delicate aromas and flavors of the wine are not overpowered by an overly cold temperature. It's also important to note that you should take a bottle of Sancerre out of the fridge about 30 minutes befre serving, as this allows the wine to warm up slightly and express its full flavor profile.
Similarities Between Chablis and Sancerre
No two wines are ever exactly alike, but Chablis and Sancerre do have plenty of similarities. Both wines come from the Burgundy region of France and share a similar geological makeup. Although the grapes used to make them are different – Chablis is made with chardonnay grapes while Sancerre uses sauvignon blanc – they both display a bright, crisp acidity and a mineral finish that indicate their origins in the same region. In fact, these two wines can sometimes be so close in flavor profile that they can be mistaken for each other.
The Closest Wine to a Sancerre
The closest wine to a Sancerre is one that comes from the same region in France, the Loire Valley. The wines of this region tend to be light-bodied, tart, and often have a mineral or flinty character. Sancerre is made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes and is known for its bright acidity and grassy qualities, while oher Loire Valley wines may be made from different grape varieties such as Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, or Pinot Noir. Another option would be to look for wines from neighboring AOCs (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) such as Menetou-Salon, Coteaux du Giennois, Reuilly, Touraine and Quincy. These are all considered ‘lesser-known' regions but they produce some excellent wines with similar characteristics to Sancerre. For example, Menetou Salon produces Sauvignon Blancs with tart citrus flavors and a minerality reminiscent of Sancerre, while Coteaux du Giennois has a variety of styles from white (Sauvignon Blanc) to rosé (Pinot Noir) to red (Cabernet Franc). Reuilly produces light-bodied whites from both Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris grapes that share many similarities with Sancerre. Touraine produce some great Cabernet Francs which have an herbal character similar to that found in many Sancerres. Finally Quincy offers Sauvignon Blancs with delicate floral aromas and fresh acidity. All these regions offer great value for money so it's worth giving them a try if you're looking for alternatives to Sancerre!
The Sweetness of Sancerre Wine
Sancerre is a dry white wine, with much less sugar in comparison to other white wines. On average, most Sancerres have around 4g to 8g of sugar per liter, making them less sweet than other white wines. This lack of sugar creates a dry finish that is unique to Sancerre and other wines made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes.
Pairing Food with Sancerre
Sancerre is a dry white wine produced in the Loire Valley region of France. It is typically made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, and has a light, fruity flavor with hints of citrus, peach and green apple. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Fresh goat cheeses, such as Crottin de Chavignol, are a great option for those looking for something light and creamy to accompany teir Sancerre. Oysters with lemon provide a salty contrast that pairs well with its bright acidity. Arugula salad dressed in vinaigrette highlights the wine's herbal notes and provides a nice balance to its fruitiness. Lastly, sautéed pork chops bring out the earthy notes in Sancerre while adding an extra layer of depth to the pairing. For optimal results, serve these whites at 46 °F (8 °C).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sancerre is a prestigious wine district in the Loire Valley of France that produces some of the finest white and rosé wines in the world. While there are many great producers making incredible Sancerre wines, some of the best vale options include the 2002 Edmond Vatan Sancerre Clos la Neore, 2010 Louis-Benjamin – Didier Dagueneau Sancerre ‘Le Mont Damne', and 2018 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre ‘L'Enclos des Remparts'. Each of these wines offers a unique flavor profile and complexity, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for an affordable bottle to share with friends or a special bottle to celebrate a special occasion, these are some of the best Sancerre wines to buy in 2021.
