Yet, there is magic in Sancerre that is rarely, if ever, replicated. You may ask why? the world is full of brilliant examples of the Sauvignon Blanc grape, not least from New Zealand’s Marlborough region. Today, no self-respecting wine list or merchant can omit Sancerre. 13 Villages and Three Hamlets Produce Sancerre Today The introduction of the railway in the 19th century only broadened Sancerre’s appeal, allowing the wines to be easily transported to the restaurants of Paris and beyond. As Sancerre prospered under the Duchy of Burgundy’s control, the aromatic wines from the region started to find a willing audience across France. Although the zone was awarded appellation status in 1936, vines had been grown along the Loire Valley since the 1st century AD – the Romans were responsible for creating France’s love affair with the grape. This terroir has been cultivated for many, many centuries. A majestic sea of vines stretches along the west side of the river bank – planted at very high densities, and the best Sancerre is both concentrated and racy, a testament to the area’s exceptional terroir. Over 2,500 hectares of vines are planted in the appellation, located at the eastern end of the lower Loire Valley, southeast of Orleans. But despite the proliferation of excellent wines from across the New World, few would argue that Sauvignon Blanc does not reach its apogee in the vineyards of Sancerre. Ironically enough, the grape’s aficionados may not even realize that Sancerre has been in the Sauvignon business for centuries. Unfortunately, this has unwittingly enabled New Zealand and other countries, such as Chile, to gobble up France’s market share and install themselves as benchmark growers of pungent, gooseberry-scented Sauvignon. It was taken for granted that white Sancerre was 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Sancerre, anchored by proud traditions and appellation customs, saw no need to advertise its signature variety. However, in the 20th century, growers could only watch as their birthright, as they saw it, was challenged and usurped by nations like New Zealand, who always display the grape variety on the label.
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