Sancerre French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Sancerre is the world's benchmark for Sauvignon Blanc, a hilltop Loire Valley appellation producing crisp, aromatic, mineral white wines, as well as elegant Pinot Noir reds and rosés.
More info about Sancerre
Geographic position
Central France, in the Cher department on the left bank of the Loire, around the hilltop town of Sancerre and 14 surrounding villages such as Bué, Chavignol and Verdigny, facing Pouilly-Fumé across the river, about 200 km south of Paris.
Origin & history
The Romans planted vines on these hills, and the Augustinian monks and the Counts of Sancerre developed the vineyards in the Middle Ages, when Pinot Noir dominated. After phylloxera, growers replanted with Sauvignon Blanc, which made Sancerre famous worldwide from the 1950s. The AOC was created in 1936 for whites and extended to reds and rosés in 1959.
Wines & grape varieties
About 80% white from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, with grapefruit, lemon, gooseberry, cut grass, white flowers and flinty minerality; reds and rosés from Pinot Noir with cherry and raspberry.
Climate & soil
Semi-continental climate. Three famous soils: "terres blanches" (Kimmeridgian marl), "caillottes" (limestone pebbles) and "silex" (flint). Chavignol is also home to Crottin goat cheese.
Wine region: Loire
Grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc