Sauvignon blanc is among the world’s most widely planted grapes, but its origin is the Loire Valley. In the Loire, Sauvignon takes on a floral, mineral style, juicy grapefruit notes with a lively minerality, often notes of flint, and pleasant herbal finish.
Wine writer Lettie Teauge once described Sancerre as a wine that delivers “pleasure not profundity.” Located at the eastern end of the Loire, Sancerre produces consistently delicious wines — approachable, affordable, and uncomplicated.
Our source here is the Domaine de la Garenne, a family operation making classic, unoaked, vibrant Sancerre. It’s not showy or ageworthy, just pure, clean, and simply delicious.
Garenne’s new 2021 Sancerre is crisp and delightful. It’s bone dry with pure sauvignon grapefruit in the nose. In the mouth it’s lively but with no astringency or grassiness — a cooler vintage has added an extra dose of dry tension. Look for minerals and lime in the mouth, with dry extract, lovely tension, and surprising length.
Sancerre is as versatile as they come, pairing with anything and nothing. Our favorite match is a cozy moules frites — a simple broth of shallots, wine, parsley, garlic and tarragon. It’s just like Sancerre: humble, uncomplicated, and delicious.
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Garenne Sancerre 2021
bottle price: $25
