Describe the 3 soils types of Sancerre.
- Terres Blanches, Kimmeridgian marls of clay and limestone
- Caillottes, limestone pebbles of varying sizes AKA griottes
- Silex, rich in flint.
Where is Sancerre?
On the left/West Bank of the Loire River. In the Central Vineyards region in the Loire Valley. 2 hours drive S of Paris
What is Chavignol known for?
Being the a great source of SB in 1700s
What grape was widely planted in Sancerre area post-phylloxera?
Chasselas
When did rose and red get added to Sancerre AOC?
1959
What is La Cuesta?
The highest point in the town of Sancerre at 356m elevation
What divides the AOP of Sancerre geographically?
Sancerre and Thauvenay fault lines that run N-S
What is the main soil type east of the fault lines?
flinty clay aka silex
Why is the land like west of the fault lines?
rolling hills with various expositions with limestone bedrock of varying ages/weathering
How are the wines grown on Silex sites characterized?
Powerful, firm, slightly bitter
How are the wines grown on terres blanches sites characterized?
more complex and fuller bodied as ripening takes longer
How are the wines grown on caillottes soils characterized?
fruity and open
What are Les Montes Damnes & Le Chene Marchand?
Highly regarded single vineyard sites in Sancerre
What was the most planted grape in Sancerre pre-phylloxera?
PN
Is it common for Sancerre Rouge to be highly extracted?
No
What is the most common method to produce Sancerre rose?
Saignee
Who produces Vingt Mille Pieds Sous Sancerre? What style of wine is it?
Alphonse Mellot. Rose produced from very high density PN plantings
