Sancerre is one of the most revered white wines in the world, known for its vibrant acidity, minerality, and fruity flavors. This wine comes from the Loire Valley region of France, specifically from the Sancerre Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC). While many assume that Sancerre is made from a single grape variety, the truth is more complex. In this article, we will explore the grapes used to make Sancerre, the characteristics of each grape, and how they contribute to the final wine.
The Grapes of Sancerre
Sancerre is primarily made from two grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. However, only the former is used to make the white wines that the region is famous for. Sauvignon Blanc is a green-skinned grape variety that is grown throughout the world and is known for its high acidity and distinctive aromas. In Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc is the dominant grape variety and accounts for around 80% of the total vineyard plantings.
Pinot Noir, on the other hand, is a red grape variety that is used to make the region’s red and rosé wines. While Pinot Noir is not used to make the white wines of Sancerre, it is an important component of the region’s viticultural landscape. The grape is notoriously difficult to grow and requires a cool climate to thrive, which makes the Loire Valley an ideal location.
Sauvignon Blanc: The Star of Sancerre
Sauvignon Blanc is the grape variety that defines Sancerre. It is known for its zesty acidity, herbaceous aromas, and flavors of citrus and tropical fruit. When grown in the chalky soils of Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc takes on a unique character that is distinct from other regions where the grape is grown.
In Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc is often harvested early to retain its natural acidity and bright fruit flavors. The grape is typically fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve its freshness and is often aged on its lees (the dead yeast cells left over after fermentation) to add complexity and texture.
The chalky soils of Sancerre also play a significant role in shaping the character of the region’s Sauvignon Blanc. These soils, which are rich in limestone, help to regulate water uptake by the vines, resulting in grapes with high acidity and intense aromatics.
Pinot Noir: The Backbone of Sancerre
While Pinot Noir is not used to make the white wines of Sancerre, it is an important component of the region’s viticultural landscape. Pinot Noir is a notoriously fickle grape variety that requires a cool climate to thrive. In Sancerre, the grape is grown on the same chalky soils as Sauvignon Blanc, which helps to regulate water uptake and produce grapes with good acidity and structure.
In Sancerre, Pinot Noir is used to make both red and rosé wines. The red wines of Sancerre are known for their light body, high acidity, and flavors of red fruit, such as cherry and raspberry. The rosé wines of Sancerre are made using the saignée method, where a portion of the juice from the red grapes is bled off after a short period of skin contact. The resulting wine is light pink in color and has flavors of strawberry and citrus.
Blending in Sancerre
While Sauvignon Blanc is the dominant grape variety in Sancerre, some producers choose to blend in other grape varieties to add complexity and depth to their wines. One of the most common blending partners for Sauvignon Blanc in Sancerre is Chardonnay. Chardonnay adds richness and texture to Sauvignon Blanc and can help to balance out its acidity.
Another grape variety that is sometimes blended with Sauvignon Blanc in Sancerre is Sauvignon Gris. Sauvignon Gris is a mutation of Sauvignon Blanc and has a pinkish-gray skin. The grape is known for its roundness and richness, which can help to balance out the herbaceous character of Sauvignon Blanc.
Conclusion
Sancerre’s fame largely stems from its unique expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. This grape, grown on chalky soils of the Loire Valley, produces wines with zesty acidity and herbaceous aromas, as well as flavors of citrus and tropical fruit. Pinot Noir plays a crucial role in the region’s viticulture as well, producing light-bodied red and rosé wines. Producers may also choose to blend in Chardonnay or Sauvignon Gris to achieve more complexity and depth. With its quality and distinctiveness, Sancerre remains one of the white wines to try for every wine enthusiast.
