Latest news with #Sancerre
Irish Times
24-05-2025
- Irish Times
John Wilson: Loire white wines made for warm-weather drinking
As summer kicks in, I start to salivate for the fresh, light wines of the Loire Valley. The river Loire is the longest in France , more than 1,000km from start to finish. Vines flourish alongside a cornucopia of other fruit and vegetables. Recently I listened with envy to a friend who was about to head there by car and ferry to take in the fantastic castles, excellent local food and great wines. The Loire Valley is a fantastic source of white wines, with something to suit every taste, from racy aromatic sauvignon blanc and saline Muscadet to richer, complex, age-worthy chenin blanc. All, including the sweet wines, bring a lightness and freshness that seems to shout summer. There are red wines and rosés too, but today I focus on the whites. The Loire is the original home of sauvignon blanc and produces some of the finest examples, less exuberant than those from Marlborough, but every bit as good. The best-known names are Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Both are 100 per cent sauvignon, and these are some great wines, although better-value sauvignon can often be found in the nearby Quincy, Menetou-Salon, and the larger region of Touraine or the all-encompassing Val de Loire. I have always had a soft spot for Savennières, made from chenin blanc. It goes perfectly with poached salmon and hollandaise. Regulars will know that I am a big fan of Muscadet. Muscadet de Sèvre & Maine is superior to plain Muscadet. The best villages are entitled to use their own name, such as Clisson, Goulaine and Vallet. READ MORE Val de Loire Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Val de Loire Sauvignon Blanc 2023 11.5%, €9.49 Subtle aromas with soft pear fruits and a rounded finish. With summer salads or by itself. From Lidl Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Les Corbillières Domaine Barbou Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Les Corbillières Domaine Barbou 12.5%, €17.25 Clean citrus with plenty of satisfying plump green fruits and a nice richness. A great all-purpose summer wine, with or without food. Try it with a goat's cheese salad or crab cakes. From Wines Direct, Mullingar, Athlone and Clos Joubert Muscadet de Sèvre & Maine sur lie 2023 Domaine Haut-Févrie Clos Joubert Muscadet de Sèvre & Maine sur lie 2023 Domaine Haut-Févrie 12%, €24.50 Fresh cool clean green fruits, with a touch of spice and a fine mineral edge. The classic combination would be oysters or mussels, but it would also go with most seafood and summer salads. From Delgany Cottage, Greystones; Lilith, D7; BaRossa, D4 Savennières Champ de la Hutte, Château de Chamboureau 2022, Chenin Blanc, Organic Savennières Champ de la Hutte, Château de Chamboureau 2022, Chenin Blanc, Organic 12.5%, €27 Cool crystalline fruits with a lively acidity and a touch of honey. A wine that grows on you with every sip. Try it with poached or grilled salmon, prawn salad or some asparagus. From Whelehans,
Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Times
The 10 best wines to buy at Waitrose this summer
With a clutch of masters of wine among its buying team, Waitrose is the supermarket that can genuinely give independent wine merchants a run for their money. Its Loved & Found range offers lesser-known grape varieties and is peppered with esoteric choices at attractive prices. Waitrose Cellar has an exceptional selection of fine wines. 2023 Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir New Zealand (13%) £13Villa Maria is prized for its excellence and consistency. Its pinot is a joy, marrying tart cranberry and raspberry flavours with an uplifting finish. 2024 Alphonse Mellot Le Manoir Sancerre France (13%) £27A stunning sancerre that has a golden hue in the glass and catches the attention with its lively acidity, delicate aromas and purity of fruit. NV Fowles
Forbes
02-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
New French Brand Aims To Build Bridges With Sancerre Wine
Sauvignon Blanc grapes grow in the idyllic Lionel Gosseaume Vineyards. Barbara Banke, president of Jackson Family Wines, fell in love with Sancerre, the Loire Valley's signature version of Sauvignon Blanc. So, she and her team began investigating the possibility of creating a whole brand dedicated to this very French expression of Sauvignon Blanc in 2022, but instead of just focusing on one varietal from vineyards that traverse France's longest river, the Loire, in central France, they decided to create an entire brand focused on the beautiful wines of the Loire called Passerelles. The French name means for 'footbridges,' and it evokes the many bridges that connect winegrowers and wine lovers in this historic river valley. 'The Loire might not be as famous (for wine) with consumers, but it was the playground for royalty,' says Gilian Handelman, vice president of wine education. 'That's why you see extraordinarily old estates and chateaux with these really grand, beautiful landscapes, but at the same time, the wines here are arguably the best values in all of Europe.' 'It's remained humble, and it hasn't been overinflated because it has returned to farming instead of international glitz,' Handelman continues. 'There are lot of young people making wines from these vineyards that are extraordinary.' The Passerelles portfolio currently includes two Sauvignon Blanc wines, a Chenin Blanc, and a Cabernet Franc. The Passerelles brand launched quietly last year, but they official launched the brand in February this year, with the release of 2023 Passerelles Sancerre ($40)) and 2023 Passerelles Touraine Oisly ($30), both Sauvignon Blancs, as well as the 2023 Passerelles Anjou Blanc ($25), a Chenin Blanc, and the 2022 Passerelles Saumur Rouge ($35), a Cabernet Franc. The debut of Passerelles couldn't come at a more advantageous time, as many wine drinkers are shifting from red to whites, says Eugenia Keegan, senior vice president of winemaking. 'They make dry, racy white wines, and as the demand has shifted away from big reds, the timing of the investment of these young people who understand these old estates is great,' Keegan says. 'It's a very special time for the Loire.' 'They make dry, racy white wines, and as the demand has shifted away from big reds, the timing of the investment of these young people who understand these old estates is great,' Keegan says. 'It's a very special time for the Loire.' Passarelles is right on trend. Wine Business notes that consumers continue to clamor for Sauvignon Blanc. 'Sauvignon Blanc remains in favor with consumers,' the journal notes. 'It was the sole varietal among the top 10 sold through NIQ off-premise outlets last year to show growth in both sales value, up 6 percent and volume, up nearly 2 percent.' Also, according to Numerator, the top two wines with increased buy rate among Millennials in the past year are Chenin Blanc, which has a growth of 34 percent, and Cabernet Franc, which has a growth of 22 percent. Sancerre has the potential to grow among young American wine consumers, Keegan says. 'Sauvignon Blanc continues to grow in the double digits,' Handelman says. 'There's a richness to these wines that doesn't come from alcohol or oak - it comes from smart farming and concentrating the chemistry and flavors in the vineyards.' To develop the brand, Keegan and Handelman worked with Dimitri Mesnard, a certified master sommelier and division vice president and international brand ambassador, Marcia Torres Forno, consulting winemaker, as well as four different wine growers in the Loire Valley: Lionel Gosseaume in Touraine Oisly, Domaine Michel Girard et Fils in Sancerre, Thibaut Henrion at domaine de la Treille in Anjou, and Franck Bimont at Domaine des Guyons in Saumur. Passerelles aims to educate Sauvignon Blanc drinkers about the finer points of Sancerre.'People consider Sancerre its own thing,' Keegan says. 'It's really defined in its own category.'
Forbes
09-04-2025
- Forbes
A No-Stress Guide To The World Of French Wine
Two glasses and a fresh bottle of red wine overlooking the Eiffel Tower Paris Let's be honest—French wine can feel a little intimidating. Instead of clearly stating the grape variety like a friendly California bottle, French labels expect you to know that a Sancerre is Sauvignon Blanc and that a Burgundy is usually Pinot Noir. It's almost like the French assume you've memorized their entire wine map. But don't worry, once you understand the basics of how French wine is categorized, it all starts to make sense. The key is understanding the regions—because in France, wine is all about where it's from. Each region has its own personality, grape varieties, and styles. And once you know what to expect from each one, buying and enjoying French wine gets a whole lot easier. Vineyards of Saint Emilion, Bordeaux Vineyards in France in a sunny day Bordeaux is one of the most famous wine regions in the world, and for good reason. It produces some of the best red wines, usually blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Bordeaux is divided by the Left Bank and Right Bank, which basically determines whether your wine has more Cab (Left Bank) or more Merlot (Right Bank). Expect full-bodied, structured reds with flavors of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco. If you like Napa Cab, Bordeaux is a great place to explore—just be prepared for a little more restraint and elegance. What to try: Château Lynch-Bages (Left Bank), Château Pétrus (Right Bank, if you're feeling fancy) Grapes and glasses of wine on table outdoors Burgundy (or Bourgogne, if you want to sound French) is all about terroir—that magical word that means 'sense of place.' Unlike Bordeaux, wines here are made from a single grape variety: Pinot Noir for reds, Chardonnay for whites. A Burgundy Pinot Noir is usually lighter, more delicate, and earthier than its Californian cousins, while a Burgundy Chardonnay (especially from Chablis) is crisp, mineral-driven, and often unoaked. What to try: Joseph Drouhin Côte de Nuits-Villages (Pinot Noir), Domaine William Fèvre Chablis (Chardonnay) Tasting of brut and demi-sec white champagne sparkling wine from special flute glasses with view on ... More green Champagne vineyards, France Nothing says celebration like Champagne, but this iconic region produces more than just party fizz. Made primarily from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, true Champagne is always made using the traditional method, meaning it gets its bubbles from a second fermentation in the bottle. Expect crisp acidity, toasty notes, and fine bubbles—and yes, there's a big difference between Champagne and cheaper sparkling wines. What to try: Veuve Clicquot Brut, Billecart-Salmon Rosé Vineyards in the Sancerre area of the Loire Valley, France. The Loire Valley is like a buffet of wine styles—light reds, refreshing whites, and even some sparkling wines. If you like Sauvignon Blanc, this is where you'll find some of the best versions in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. If Chenin Blanc is your thing, check out Vouvray, which ranges from dry to sweet. Loire reds, like Cabernet Franc from Chinon, are light, peppery, and perfect for summer. What to try: Pascal Jolivet Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc), Domaine Olga Raffault Chinon (Cabernet Franc) Vines in a vineyard in autumn - Wine grapes before harvest The Rhône Valley is home to Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre—grapes that make up the famous GSM blends. These wines are often bold, spicy, and full of dark fruit flavors. Northern Rhône wines (like Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie) are almost always Syrah-based, while Southern Rhône (like Châteauneuf-du-Pape) is more of a blend. What to try: E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie (Syrah), Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape (GSM blend) beautiful landscape in Alsace in east France Alsace sits along the German border, and its wines reflect that influence. The region is known for Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, which are aromatic, fruity, and often dry (despite the common misconception that they're all sweet). If you like floral, spicy, and slightly exotic white wines, Alsace should be on your list. What to try: Trimbach Riesling, Zind-Humbrecht Gewürztraminer French wine can feel overwhelming at first, but once you get familiar with the main regions, it all starts to click. The best part? Exploring French wine is never boring—there's always something new to discover, whether it's a crisp Sancerre, a bold Bordeaux, or a silky Pinot Noir from Burgundy. So next time you're staring at a wine list or roaming the aisles of a wine shop, just remember: French wine is all about where it's from. And now, you've got a pretty good idea of where to start.
USA Today
09-04-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Imported wine prices set to surge as new Trump tariffs shake up small businesses
Imported wine prices set to surge as new Trump tariffs shake up small businesses Show Caption Hide Caption Atlanta wine store owner braces for Trump tariffs Adam Williams, owner of Ansley Wine Merchants in Atlanta, Georgia said, 'A 20 percent increase on European wines is huge, because European wines are about 80 or so percent of the wine in the store." Adam Williams, 57, owner of Ansley Wine Merchants in Atlanta, said he was bracing for the worst on Wednesday, as President Donald Trump's tariffs are set to kick in, which will spike costs of the imported wines and liquors he sells. "That means everything will go up," he said, including the customer favorite, a 2023 vintage Sancerre from France which can cost $45. The Trump Administration has said it will institute a 20% tariff on goods from the European Union, which would cause the price of a bottle of wine to surge past what a casual customer would pay. Tariffs hit small business: Kentucky's $9 billion bourbon industry caught in the crossfire of Trump trade war Other wine merchants are worried too. The National Association of Wine Retailers in a statement released over the weekend said it expected "significant revenue reductions, layoffs, and business closings." The U.S. imports more wine from the European Union than any other part of the world, led by France and Italy. Sales of French wine and spirits could drop by at least 20% when the tariffs go into place, the French wine and spirits exporters FEVS said last week. The National Association of Wine Retailers, a U.S. trade group, said any hope for tariffs spurring sales of domestic wines "is misplaced. When faced with the higher prices that will result from the across-the-board tariffs, consumers will rein in their spending. The first thing they cut back on is non-essential items like wine." Williams has 1,500 different labels and has tasted them all, and most of his stock comes from overseas. "I haven't started losing sleep yet, but maybe I should be already," Williams said. "I just don't know how bad this is going to be, but 90 percent of my labels are from overseas, France, Italy. All from small family-owned vineyards. Small producers. Not the mass-produced grocery store wines." He said there have been hardly any new shipments from overseas because distributors and importers are in "wait-and-see" mode. If the tariffs hit like he thinks, he said, "I'm not sure what will happen. I have eight employees who are like family. I have to look out for them. But what's going to happen here, I don't know." "But I won't sell mass-produced wine," he said. "The bottom line is, prices are going up," said Ryan Stanton, general manager of a mid-sized wine importing company, Ultimate Wine Distributors, based in Atlanta. "Buy America is great in theory, but there are a lot of things that we don't and can't make in America," he said. "We have a lot of wine ready to set sail in France, but it's just parked there as everyone waits to see what happens. It's in negotiations. We're waiting for the dust to settle," he said. Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by David Gregorio
