Distinguishing Sancerre from Pouilly-Fumé
Made from the same grape, Sauvignon Blanc, on opposing banks of the Loire, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are often compared to one another in style. Yet, although these two neighboring wine regions share much in common, each has established its own characteristic style of wine. If you look closely, you can find a number of differences.
Sancerre is the Centre-Loire’s most recognized appellation. The white wines from this region are crisp and fruity, with noticeable minerality from the local terroir. Soils here are one of three types: caillottes, or chalk; Kimmeridgian marly soils dominated by limestone and clay; and silex, or flint. The whites are best drunk young before their youthful vibrancy is lost.
- The vineyards of Sancerre
The Sauvignon Blancs from Pouilly-Fumé are grown on more clay-based soils than Sancerre. Generally defined by a unique smoky, flinty character, the wines tend to see bottle aging and will be longer lived than those from neighboring Sancerre. Nevertheless, some producers make a more citrusy style almost indistinguishable from Sancerre. And, to confuse matters more, there are a handful of Sancerre producers making Sauvignon Blancs capable of long-term aging.
- A view of Pouilly-Fumé
In addition, Sancerre also gives its name to a red wine from the Pinot Noir grape, which also benefits from the chalky, flinty soils that dominate. If you see Pouilly-Fumé on the label, the wine can be white from Sauvignon Blanc only.