AOC Sancerre

Sancerre has been regarded, from the Middle Ages to today, as one of the best appellations in the Loire region. This reputation is mainly due to its fresh and racy white wines made from its iconic grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc. However, while Sauvignon Blanc thrives in the terroir of Sancerre, the vineyard also produces high-quality red and rosé wines. Through this guide, discover everything you need to know about the history, terroir, and grape varieties of AOC Sancerre wines. Follow all our tips to create the best food and wine pairings with Sancerre white, red, and rosé wines.

What is the history of the Sancerre vineyard?

Sancerre is a flagship vineyard in the Loire Valley and Central France. As reported by Pliny the Elder and Gregory of Tours in their writings from the 4th century, the Sancerre region has been cultivating vines since ancient times, following the Roman conquests. However, it was in the Middle Ages that the Sancerre vineyard developed and gained its fame, eventually being considered "the best wine in the kingdom" by Duke John of Berry! At that time, the vineyard primarily cultivated Pinot Noir, but today, Sancerre (which obtained AOC status in 1936) is particularly renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc-based white wines.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Sancerre Appellation

Climate: Located in Central Loire, the AOC Sancerre appellation has a semi-continental climate, which, unlike other regions of the Loire Valley, is less influenced by the oceanic influences of the Atlantic.

Soils: AOC Sancerre has three distinct soil types:

• "Terres Blanches" (clay-limestone soils) producing powerful wines;
• "Caillottes" (chalky and limestone soils) producing fruitier wines;
• "Clay-Flint Soils" (flint, clay, and siliceous conglomerates) producing wines with a strong mineral profile.
• Main Grape Varieties of AOC Sancerre

AOC Sancerre mainly produces dry white wine from Sauvignon Blanc.

However, the appellation also offers red and rosé wines made from Pinot Noir.

Sauvignon Blanc: The essential white grape variety for Sancerre's white wines, Sauvignon Blanc is known for its citrus, boxwood, fresh herbs, and elderflower aromas. In some Sancerre terroirs, it offers a very mineral and racy profile.

Pinot Noir: A Burgundy red grape variety that has also been cultivated in Sancerre since the Middle Ages, Pinot Noir is known for its freshness and lightness. It develops notes of red fruits like cherry and strawberry, along with flowers and sweet spices.

What is the style of Sancerre wines?

Appearance: Sancerre white wines have a light yellow color with green reflections. In red, AOC Sancerre offers wines with a clear and limpid red hue.

Aroma: AOC Sancerre whites develop aromas of white flowers, citrus, mint, and fresh boxwood. The rare rosés of Sancerre offer delicate notes of red fruits (redcurrant, raspberry). Sancerre reds are generally light and aromatic, with red fruits, flowers (rose, peony), and a finely spiced finish.

Palate: In the best terroirs of Sancerre, the wines offer a fresh, racy palate with a long mineral finish. The rosés have a tender and subtle palate, while the reds are full-bodied and light.

Serving Temperature: White: 8°C-10°C / Rosé: 10°C-11°C / Red: 13°C-14°C

Aging Potential: White: 3 to 8 years / Rosé: 1 to 3 years / Red: 3 to 8 years

The Best Food and Wine Pairings with Sancerre

Here are some dish ideas to pair with a lovely bottle from an AOC Sancerre white wine domain:

• Oysters and seafood platters
• Salmon with sorrel
• Crottin de Chavignol and other goat cheeses
• Sushi and maki
• Asparagus with vinaigrette

If you'd like to try an AOC Sancerre rosé, consider pairing it with:

• Tomato tart
• Stuffed tomatoes
• Grilled shrimp

For a bottle of AOC Sancerre red wine, here are some pairing ideas:

• Pork tenderloin
• Rillettes from Tours
• Guinea fowl ballotine

At Avenue des vins, each domain is carefully selected, and the wines are available for home delivery, directly from the domain or château of your choice. Discover Loire wines by tasting a white, red, or rosé AOC Sancerre, or other appellations from France, thanks to our bottles at the best prices, directly from the domain or château!