Hello my dear friends!
Lately we've been asked a lot about Sancerre, one of our biggest demands at wine dinners and tastings. This is not necessarily a new trend, the problem with Sancerre is the demand is way higher than the supply. Maybe this is why everyone wants it: don't we always want what we can’t have?
To better understand Sancerre and why it has been the go-to region for Sauvignon Blanc in France, we need to consider a few factors. Sancerre sits on the left bank of the Loire River in the Loire Valley, which has made it a perfect location for wine trade. It is located in a region aptly called the Central Valley because it is the geographical center of France. Grapes have been growing in this region for at least 2,000 years. It was recognized as an appellation in 1937, when France introduced its AOP system, then called appellations d’origine contrôlée.
Sancerre, France
Sancerre is made up of 14 specific sites, including the village of Sancerre itself, consisting of roughly 2,800 hectares or 6,919 acres of vines planted. Sancerre produces approximately 65 hectoliter per hectare of white wine, which is just around 11,880 gallons of wine for the world. Can you imagine?
Much of Sancerre's success comes from its terroir and climate. The vines are planted on three main soils: silex, terres blanches and caillottes. Terres blanches is a continuation of the same Kimmeridgian clay that is found in Chablis. These soils give Sancerre its unique citrus and grassy (pyrazines) flavors and chalky, mineral textures that aren’t found in every Loire wine or, for that matter, every Sauvignon Blanc.
Why is there a shortage of Sancerre?
According to many producers, recent growing seasons have been challenging at best and they estimate that their total grape yields will be down by 50% or more on average. France as a whole is facing one of its smallest wine harvests in recent memory, after a year of weather-related difficulties – especially severe spring frost and mildew outbreaks. This, along with the worldwide shipping issues and shortage of glass, cork and paper, we find that our beloved Sancerre is going to be scarce for a while. Hence, prices have been significantly increasing lately.
Touraine, the ultimate alternative.
Today, it's all about Sauvignon Blanc. So, if you like Sancerre but can't get it or don't want to spend that much money you'll probably go for Touraine. These wines are one of the popular wines across France and not only. They are mainly made from Gamay and Sauvignon grapes, which produce intense aromas. You will come across rapid vinification techniques in this area that gives Touraine wines a very open, fruity, and aromatic profile. They are just as delicious as their 'cousin'. ACtually, the Touraine appellation of the Loire Valley is renowned for its ability to produce iconic Sauvignon Blanc, admired the world over.
Touraine wine tends to be bright, of pale straw yellow. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing, with rich, ripe lime and grapefruit aromas and flavors. Hints of melon and quince help balance the flavors and quench the palate with a crisp finish, inviting another sip. On the nose it also hints aromas of honeysuckle and tropical fruits with some herbaceous notes. It's refreshing and dry, with fresh fruit and mineral notes and its hallmark crisp acidity. It pairs beautifully with salads and seafood!
If you want to give it a try, maybe you should go to one of the most popular restaurants in Miami right now: A love Story Wine and Bistro. There you will find an exceptional Domaine De La Croix Bouquie. If you go, let us know your thoughts!
And that's a wrap for today! Have a happy rest of the week and... let's meet here next Wednesday again! Until then, Santé!
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