Sancerre is a prestigious French wine appellation located in the eastern Loire Valley. It primarily produces dry white wines from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, known for their crisp acidity and mineral character.
How it is made
Sancerre white wines are made primarily from Sauvignon Blanc grapes with minimal winemaking intervention and no barrel aging. This process results in sharp, mineral, acidic wines with notes of gooseberry and nettle. Red and rosé varieties are occasionally produced from Pinot Noir.
History
The Sancerre region has supplied wines to cities like Orléans and Bourges since Roman times. Before the phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century, black grape varieties dominated. Afterward, Sauvignon Blanc became predominant due to its adaptability to grafting onto American rootstock. Sancerre received its AOC status in 1936.
Types and styles
Over 80% of Sancerre production consists of dry white wines. Red and rosé wines make up 10-20% of production. The best vineyards are located on south-facing slopes between 200-400 meters elevation. Some producers now practice aging in oak barrels.
How it is served
Sancerre white wine is traditionally served as an accompaniment to various dishes and pairs particularly well with local Crottin de Chavignol cheese. While typically not meant for long aging, exceptional vintages like 1996, 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2017 can develop white truffle notes with time.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Сансер (вино), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.