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ONE FOOT IN HEAVEN
Pouilly-Sur-Loire/Sancerre/Chavignol
Located only two and a half hours from Paris, the region comprising Pouilly-Sur-Loire, Sancerre, and Chavignol is one of the most charming regions of France. These three towns are perfect destinations for a romantic getaway; instead of visiting one, why not head to all three? Simply rent a car and escape Paris on Highway A6, then after seeing signs for Nemours, merge onto Highway A77.
Can you Feel the Terroir in the air?
As soon as you leave Highway A77 at Pouilly-Sur-Loire, you will enter the kingdom of white wines. Sauvignon Blanc is like gold in Pouilly-Sur-Loire and Sancerre, two towns with no equivalents on earth. These two appellations are considered Loire Valley wines even though, geographically, they are closer to Burgundy where Chardonnay is the reigning king. The nearby Loire river impacts the region's semi-temperate and continental climate. This climate is ideal for the winemaking process.
Being close to Burgundy, this region was known for its Pinot Noir until Phylloxera, a microscopic insect, wrecked havoc on the grapes in the 19th century. After the destruction of the Pinot Noir crops, vineyards were replanted with Sauvignon Blanc. Perhaps Phylloxera wasn't all bad after all; Sauvignon Blanc has become the liquid gold of the region.
Before arriving in Sancerre, you will have to pass through Pouilly-Sur-Loire. Make sure to stop at a local winery and try a Pouilly-Sur-Loire wine produced from Chasselas grapes. Don't forget to try a glass of the Famous Pouilly-Fumé as well, which is exclusively made of Sauvignon Blanc. A Pouilly-Fume wine is completely distinguishable from a Sancerre wine due to its herbal, smoked and mineral notes. Sancerre is well known for its bone dry, citrusy and peachy notes.
It is all about Sancerre!
When leaving Pouilly in the direction of Sancerre, the wine lover's Mecca, take some time to admire the landscape. You should be able to catch sight of the town of Sancerre, which is located on a hill. Heading through the vineyards on a small dirt path, the curved roads and hilly landscape make distances seem deceptively short. But never forget: all roads lead to Sancerre. Once you arrive in the small town, you will be completely surrounded by the Appellation of Sancerre. On a clear day the view is breathtaking. You will encounter vineyards after vineyard, as far as the eye can see; in Sancerre, there are 2,600 hectares of vines producing over 4 millions gallons of wine annually.
If you want to add a cultural aspect to your trip, stop at “La Maison des Sancerre”, which is located in the center of town. For just seven euros you can experience the local winemaking process and get more details about the winemakers. After this cultural diversion, it's time to drink and enjoy! Follow the plentiful signs and stop at some “caveaux” (cellars) for private tastings. You will probably be received by a winemaker who will be happy to share his passion and experience with you.
Et le Crottin, Alors?
Tasting delicious wine can unleash your appetite. Before heading back to Paris, make sure to stop at Chavignol. This small village of 200 residents, known for its goat cheese called “le crottin de Chavignol”, is a five minute car ride from the center of Sancerre. This intense, complex, and creamy goat cheese pairs perfectly with the nearby Sauvignon Blanc. Stop at the fromagerie in town and get an assortment of crottin for 10 Euros. Unfortunately, this cheap and delicious cheese, which often costs three to four times the amount when bought in the United States, will not make it back home with you. Due to US customs laws, cheeses are not allowed to be transported across the Atlantic. So make sure to eat them all up with a baguette before you board your plane. After this trip, you'll be forever spoiled and, having tasted the treasures of Pouilly-Sur-Loire, Sancerre, and Chavignol, packaged cheeses paired with table wine will never taste the same.
Fadi -
Can you Feel the Terroir in the air?
As soon as you leave Highway A77 at Pouilly-Sur-Loire, you will enter the kingdom of white wines. Sauvignon Blanc is like gold in Pouilly-Sur-Loire and Sancerre, two towns with no equivalents on earth. These two appellations are considered Loire Valley wines even though, geographically, they are closer to Burgundy where Chardonnay is the reigning king. The nearby Loire river impacts the region's semi-temperate and continental climate. This climate is ideal for the winemaking process.
Being close to Burgundy, this region was known for its Pinot Noir until Phylloxera, a microscopic insect, wrecked havoc on the grapes in the 19th century. After the destruction of the Pinot Noir crops, vineyards were replanted with Sauvignon Blanc. Perhaps Phylloxera wasn't all bad after all; Sauvignon Blanc has become the liquid gold of the region.
Before arriving in Sancerre, you will have to pass through Pouilly-Sur-Loire. Make sure to stop at a local winery and try a Pouilly-Sur-Loire wine produced from Chasselas grapes. Don't forget to try a glass of the Famous Pouilly-Fumé as well, which is exclusively made of Sauvignon Blanc. A Pouilly-Fume wine is completely distinguishable from a Sancerre wine due to its herbal, smoked and mineral notes. Sancerre is well known for its bone dry, citrusy and peachy notes.
It is all about Sancerre!
When leaving Pouilly in the direction of Sancerre, the wine lover's Mecca, take some time to admire the landscape. You should be able to catch sight of the town of Sancerre, which is located on a hill. Heading through the vineyards on a small dirt path, the curved roads and hilly landscape make distances seem deceptively short. But never forget: all roads lead to Sancerre. Once you arrive in the small town, you will be completely surrounded by the Appellation of Sancerre. On a clear day the view is breathtaking. You will encounter vineyards after vineyard, as far as the eye can see; in Sancerre, there are 2,600 hectares of vines producing over 4 millions gallons of wine annually.
If you want to add a cultural aspect to your trip, stop at “La Maison des Sancerre”, which is located in the center of town. For just seven euros you can experience the local winemaking process and get more details about the winemakers. After this cultural diversion, it's time to drink and enjoy! Follow the plentiful signs and stop at some “caveaux” (cellars) for private tastings. You will probably be received by a winemaker who will be happy to share his passion and experience with you.
Et le Crottin, Alors?
Tasting delicious wine can unleash your appetite. Before heading back to Paris, make sure to stop at Chavignol. This small village of 200 residents, known for its goat cheese called “le crottin de Chavignol”, is a five minute car ride from the center of Sancerre. This intense, complex, and creamy goat cheese pairs perfectly with the nearby Sauvignon Blanc. Stop at the fromagerie in town and get an assortment of crottin for 10 Euros. Unfortunately, this cheap and delicious cheese, which often costs three to four times the amount when bought in the United States, will not make it back home with you. Due to US customs laws, cheeses are not allowed to be transported across the Atlantic. So make sure to eat them all up with a baguette before you board your plane. After this trip, you'll be forever spoiled and, having tasted the treasures of Pouilly-Sur-Loire, Sancerre, and Chavignol, packaged cheeses paired with table wine will never taste the same.
Fadi -
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Wine geek, certified Sommelier, wine importer, but above all a bon vivant. Born in France, I now live as an expatriate in the United States, I discovered my passion for wine later on in life, most likely to reconnect with my childhood and my country. I prefer wines with character, spices and a pinch of oak (not enough, however, to be unpleasant!). My goal for this blog is to share some of my knowledge about wine regions and some tasting notes. Enjoy and santé!
Fadi |