Sancerre is perhaps the most well-known appellation in the Loire Valley. The white wines, all of which are made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, have set international standards for the varietal. White Sancerre is known for its crisp, lively minerality and citrus notes. There is also a small amount of red Sancerre made with 100% Pinot Noir, which is light and fruity in style.
Just across the river from Sancerre is
Pouilly Fumé. The appellation is devoted to producing white wines from the Sauvignon Blanc grape, which, due to the higher levels of clay in the soil have rounder, creamier notes.
Beyond Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé are several other appellations.
Menetou-Salon lies on chalky,
kimmeridgean sediment. The white wines are spicy and perfumed, and combine citrus fruit and floral elements in perfect balance. The red wines are supple, fragrant and rich, with a long finish.
The wines of
Reuilly are grown on the banks of the Cher on chalky limestone with quite a bit of gravel and sand. The white wines,which are also made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc are floral, slightly vegetal and round. The red wines, made from 100% Pinot Noir are light bodied with good fruit, and the rosés, made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris are soft and delicate, with a pale color.
The vineyards of
Quincy grow on plateaus of sand and silt, and are planted exclusively to Sauvignon Blanc.
Quincy is characterized by fresh, ripe citrus aromas, as well as those of acacia and white flowers. Suggestions of menthol and pepper are also noticeable.
Finally, between Sancerre and the city of Orleans, Coteaux du Giennois and
Chateaumeillant make ripe fruity wines that emphasize the distince mineral quality of the soils in the region.
