Three great Sauvignon regions that we have forgotten

      When we talk about Loire Center white wine, most of people can directly remind of two appellations: Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume, however there are also three small appellations closed to Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume, where we can find very interesting Sauvignon as good as Sancerre’s. Today we will show you the mystery of Menetou-Salon, Quincy and Reuilly.

Menetou-Salon

      There are only 465 hectares in this appellation, including 348 hectares of Sauvignon and 187 hectares of Pinot noire. All the grapes are planted on the slope of hills between 220m and 280m altitude. Most of the wine is sold in France, only 12% of production was exported to UK, Holland, Belgium, Germany and USA. The terroir is based on chalky and limestone soil that is very similar to Sancerre’s. Generally speaking, compared with Sancerre’s Sauvignon, Menetou-Salon’s sauvignon has smaller structure but the same freshness. We usually find out mint, fresh grass, diverse citrus food, and especially lovely white flowers which are much more intense.

Quincy

      Quincy is one of the smallest appellations in Loire Valley, 270 hectares’ area is planted by only one grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc. It is the oldest AOC in center Loire after the destroy of phylloxera. The climate here is drier and hotter than Menetou-Salon and Sancerre. The soil is completely different, all the vines are seated on the Terrace of Cher which is consisted of sand and gravel. This kind of soil is able to heat quickly under the sunshine. That’s why the aromas and flavors in their wine are plumper, richer, fruitier but not as fresh as Sancerre’s.

Reuilly

    Reuilly is a very small appellation with 215 hectares, including 109 hectares of Sauvignon, 63 hectares of Pinot Noir and 43 hectares of Pinot Gris. The vineyard extends along the side of Arnon River. Thanks to the drier and 

Oyster terra ce (kimmeridgian)

warmer growing season, also the large diurnal viaration between day and night, the grapes are able to reach full ripeness and to keep lovely freshness. The soil in the hillside is based on marl like Burgundy, however, the soil of oyster terrace is just like Quincy’s, which is consisted of sand and gravel. Sauvignon in this region is lighter and softer, the aromas are straight and delicate compared with Sancerre’s Sauvignon. 

      If you only taste Sauvignon of Sancerre and Pouilly fume, you will never fully understand this magical, abundant, and diverse grape variety.Therefore, we suggest you to taste Sauvignon from other regions like Marlborough in New Zealand, Adelaide Hills in Australia, Casablanca in Chlie, Washington state in California, etc.