Sancerre: Wine legends from the Loire

Numerous legends suggest that there have been vines in Sancerre since ancient times. As early as 582, Gregory of Tours referred to the existence of vineyards in his writings. In the 12th century, thanks to the Augustinian monks of Saint-Satur and the Counts of Sancerre, the growing area experienced an immense boom. At that time, a prestigious red wine was produced in Sancerre, mainly from Pinot Noir, and exported to England and Holland via the Loire. For this reason, it was often mentioned in royal writings. Duke Jean de Berry (1340 - 1416), for example, considered it to be the best wine in the entire kingdom. The vineyards, most of which were planted with Pinot Noir, were destroyed by phylloxera in the late 19th century and Pinot Noir was then replaced by Sauvignon Blanc, which is particularly well suited to the climate.

Even though the Centre-Loire is considered the home of Sauvignon, the grape variety has not always been the star, especially in the Sancerre appellation. Nevertheless, the most famous Sauvignon wines in the world come from this growing region. Sancerre wines owe their fame above all to their unique taste profile, which is very easy to recognize - and which is highly appreciated all over the world. Sancerre was granted AOP status for white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc on November 14, 1936. Appellation status for red wines and rosés made from Pinot Noir followed on January 25, 1959.

Sancerre: Geography and climate

The vineyards of Sancerre cover a good 3,000 hectares on the left bank of the Loire and include the following 14 communes:

• Bannay
• Sainte Gemme
• Bué
• Sancerre
• Crézancy
• Sury en Vaux
• Menetou-Ratel
• Thauvenay
• Ménétréol
• Veaugues
• Montigny
• Verdigny
• Saint-Satur
• Vinon

The “Cuesta” (a 356-metre-high slope) was formed in the west from rock layers of the Late Jurassic. Two faults running from north to south, the so-called Sancerre and Thauvenay faults, brought the subsided Cretaceous and Eocene layers into contact with the Jurassic formations in the west. The strong erosion has created 15 different types of soil and subsoil.

The most important soil types are:

• “Terres Blanches": White soils on the westernmost hills of the Sancerrois made of a clay-limestone composition
• “Caillottes: Very stony and calcareous clay and flinty soils on the hills in the east of the wine region

Sancerre: Good to know

Sancerre wine styles

The fresh and fruity Sancerre white wines blend minerality and citrus fruit aromas. The first impression blends into a full and round taste. The white wines are fresh, fine and fruity. The typical flint note is often added by the silex soil. The wines are enjoyable when young, but are also ideal for further bottle ageing. They then develop a complex depth.

The red wines showcase the qualities of Pinot Noir and offer a bouquet of sweet and sour cherries in particular. Their taste is strong, full-bodied and long. The rosés are mild and subtle, the red wines aromatic and round. While the rosés should not be left to mature too long in the bottle so that they do not lose their playful charm, the red Sancerre wines develop subtle notes of undergrowth, foliage and game as they mature.

Sancerre wines in detail

Sancerre: Wine as an economic factor

Scancerre wines are one of the major economic driving forces not only in Centre-Loire but in the entire Val de Loire. At least when it comes to exports. No less than 15.7 million bottles are exported to 142 countries. That's a whopping 67% of the total production in Sancerre! This is not surprising. After all, the majority of these are premium wines. In France itself, Loire wines are mainly sold in food retailers. Even there, the RRP is too high. Accordingly, only 16% of Sancerre wines end up in French supermarkets. 84% are then sold nationally in specialist shops and restaurants.

The sales figures in Sancerre are quite stable despite the worldwide deconsumption. This is not least due to the fact that the wines are mainly bought by connoisseurs. In addition, Sancerre has already recognized the signs of the times. 33% of all wineries are certified organic or biodynamic - or are currently in the process of conversion. This meets the global demand for organically produced wines. It may be that wine merchants do not make an impressive margin with Sancerre wines because the growths are simply very well-known and sought-after and have a great reputation. But they are still indispensable for a classic premium portfolio.

Your selling points for Sancerre wines

• Known worldwide for unique Sauvignon Blanc wines
• Flavor profile has a very high recognition value
• Premium wines for a discerning clientele
• A great classic among French wines
• Ideal accompaniment to food