Looking past Sancerre: the other Loire Sauvignon Blancs
Last week, we gave you some insight into the differences between Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Yet, those aren’t the only worthwhile wines from Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire Valley. There are a number of other regions producing excellent Sauvignon Blancs in their own unique styles.
Planted on chalky-marl slopes or sandy gravel soils, Reuilly makes a fresh, fruity style of Sauvignon Blanc. The wines from here tend to have floral and vegetal aromas, making them an excellent pairing with seafood dishes.
Nearby Menetou-Salon also makes a fruity Sauvignon Blanc, though wines from this appellation tend to have a distinct spice and muskiness to them. Menetou-Salon whites can be quite full-bodied with a lengthy finish.
Quincy, the first of the Centre-Loire vineyards to obtain AOC status in August 1936, makes an elegant and refined Sauvignon Blanc. These wines can age beautifully, developing characters of nuts and honey.
