An introduction to the best Sancerre wineries and wines to drink at home

In Short:
The most celebrated wines from Sancerre are crisp, dry whites made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

What is Sancerre and why is it so popular?

Love Sauvignon Blanc? You’ll love Sancerre, which is made in France’s Loire Valley. While you can find delicious red and rosé wines from the Sancerre region, too, the most celebrated wines are whites – all made from this popular grape. Thanks to the cool climate, these whites are characteristically crisp and mineral, with aromas of citrus and flint. Most are unoaked, so are light and refreshing to drink on their own or with food. The majority are best enjoyed shortly after purchase.

There are many excellent producers of Sancerre wines, but three must-trys are:

Domaine Jean-Max Roger

The Roger family has been making wine in Sancerre for centuries. But only in the past decades did owner Jean-Max expand the domaine's vineyard holdings from a modest four hectares to 28. Diverse soils allow him to produce several different expressions of Sauvignon Blanc, all using sustainable methods. In recent years, Jean-Max’s sons, Thibault and Etienne, joined the family business. Together, they use long fermentation and prolonged ageing on lees (dead yeast, skins and stems) to create distinctly complex wines.

White wines from Jean-Max Roger are characteristically fresh and complex, with a long finish. The elegant Cuvée Genese is a must-try, made from the family’s original four-hectare plot. Unlike many Sancerre whites, you can age it for three to 10 years.

Domaine Fouassier

This tenth-generation domaine is dedicated to the environment as much as it is to making fantastic wine. Managing its 59 hectares of vineyards using strict organic and biodynamic practices, Domaine Fouassier produces Sauvignon Blancs that are a pure expression of the acclaimed soils that the grapes were in. The combination of care and quality ensures that the domaine’s wines are widely sought after.

If you think all white Sancerre tastes the same, Domaine Fouassier will convince you otherwise. It produces 11 different Sauvignon Blancs, and each has a unique character. La Garenne, for example, boasts aromas of freshly cut grass, cream and a vivacity that makes it a great match for spicy Thai-style prawns.

Alphonse Mellot

Sancerre families don’t get much more experienced than the Mellots – they have more than half a century of history in the region. One family member was even appointed as Wine Advisor to Louis XIV back in 1698. Today, the 19th generation of the family are making organic and biodynamic wines that still respect tradition, as well the domaine’s prized vineyards.

Distinctively creamy whites are a hallmark of Mellot, and its deliciously rich La Demoiselle has flavours of oak, flint and citrus – the perfect match for shellfish. But Mellot also makes excellent rosé and red Sancerre, from Pinot Noir grapes. So if you’re looking to expand your tasting experience of the region, it’s a great producer to try.

All in all, no two Sancerres are the same. Sample different producers to find your favourites, and try pairing them with different foods for a new experience. It’s hard to go wrong with Asian-style fish dishes or chicken salad.