![]() ![]() Together with neighboring Pouilly-Fumé, the region makes up the easternmost extension of the Loire Valley. Sancerre is part of the "central vineyards" of the Loire Valley, so named not because they are in the center of the Loire but rather because they are nearly in the center of France. Climate and geography The distance between Sancerre (highlighted in pink within yellow box) and the Atlantic coast diminishes the maritime influence on the region and gives it more of a continental climate. In the late 1970s and 1980s, a wave of quality consciousness helped elevate the reputation of Sancerre as an elegant and food friendly white wine that became a popular feature on restaurant lists across the globe. After World War II, the wines gained a reputation in the Paris bistro scene as an easy drinking white wine equivalent to Beaujolais. They were replanted with Sauvignon Blanc, partly because it grafted better onto the American rootstocks. While some Pinot noir vines were retained most of the Gamay was lost. In the late 19th century the phylloxera epidemic devastated the area wiping out the majority of the region's vines. Demand further increased with the coming of the railway from Paris. Sancerre's position as an administrative centre, and the large nearby cities of Orléans and Bourges (which was the capital of the powerful Duke of Berry) ensured healthy local markets for the Pinot Noir and Gamay wines traditional in the area. The region was historically linked to the Duchy of Burgundy, which may have played a role in the introduction of Pinot noir vines to this area. ![]() Most importantly, however, the steep sloping hills could provide the grapes with enough direct sunlight and warmth to fully ripen while allowing cold air to flow off the slope and pool into the valleys below. The chalk hill outcrop was not only a distinctive landmark known in Roman times but it also fit the profile of terroir that was usually the first to be cultivated – it was near an important town and had easy access to a navigable river. The foundations of two separate Roman bridges across the Loire can be seen at the river village of St-Satur, the port for Sancerre, marking its ancient position along a major Roman route. The area around Sancerre was likely first cultivated by the Romans, perhaps in the 1st century AD, though the exact date is unknown. History Sancerre's reputation for being a food friendly wine contributed to its popularity in the late 20th century as a popular wine on restaurant wine lists. ![]() Most – but not all – of the Sauvignon Blancs are unoaked. And in the southwest, away from the river towards Menetou-Salon, the chalky "terres blanches" (white ground) produce weightier wines. Between the town and Verdigny the soil consists of marl and gravel – "les caillottes" – producing fruity, well balanced wines. In the east are the "flints" that make minerally, long-lived wines. A series of small valleys cut through the chalk, each with their own soils and microclimate and terroir. The town lies on an outcrop of the chalk that runs from the White Cliffs of Dover down through the Champagne and Chablis. The AOC area has expanded fourfold over the years, most recently on 18 March 1998. White Sancerre was one of the original AOCs awarded in 1936, with the same area being designated for red wines on 23 January 1959. ![]() A rosé style from Pinot noir is also produced in a style similar to Beaujolais, which is produced from the Gamay grape. Some Pinot noir is also grown, accounting for around 20% of the region's production, making mostly light red wines under the designation of Sancerre Rouge. It is well regarded for and primarily associated with Sauvignon blanc. Almost all of the appellation lies on the left bank of the Loire, opposite Pouilly-Fumé. Sancerre is a French wine Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) for wine produced in the area of Sancerre in the eastern part of the Loire valley, southeast of Orléans. French wine from the Loire Valley Sancerre Wine region ![]()
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