Sancerre is a dry white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes that are grown on the hillsides of the Sancerre appellation in the eastern part of the Loire Valley in France. Sancerre is known for its crisp acidity, mineral notes, and citrus aromas, which are a result of the unique terroir and cool climate of the region. While some wines from the Loire Valley, such as Vouvray, can be either dry or sweet, Sancerre is exclusively a dry wine.
The dryness of Sancerre is a result of the winemaking process. After the grapes are harvested, they are pressed to extract the juice, which is then fermented in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels. During fermentation, yeast consumes the sugar in the juice, converting it into alcohol. Once the fermentation is complete, the wine is aged for a period of time before being bottled.
Sancerre is not a sweet wine, and it does not contain residual sugar. Residual sugar is the unfermented sugar that is left in the wine after fermentation is complete. Sweet wines such as dessert wines or some Rieslings have a significant amount of residual sugar, which gives them a sweet taste. However, Sancerre is fermented until all of the sugar is converted to alcohol, resulting in a dry wine.
Sancerre is best served chilled and is often paired with seafood, chicken, and salads. It can also be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif. The wine’s crisp acidity and mineral notes make it a refreshing choice for warm weather or light meals.
In conclusion, Sancerre is a dry white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes that are grown on the hillsides of the Sancerre appellation in the Loire Valley in France. Sancerre is exclusively a dry wine, and it does not contain residual sugar. The wine’s crisp acidity and mineral notes make it a refreshing choice for warm weather or light meals.