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Multi Day

Sancerre (Loire)

Heading south from the cote de blancs in Champagne via Chablis or train from Paris, the next stop is located in the Eastern section of the Loire Valley, to discover the world renowned Sancerre AOP wine region, dominated by Sauvignon Blanc grapes where the white wines of the region tend to be structured with acidity and citrus with mineral and herbal aromatics.

During the day learn how the style of each wine changes according to the wine makers preferences for pre fermentation macerations or swift pressing, wild yeast or natural yeast, steel or oak, malolactic or no malolactic, and the all important harvest date. Don't forget to order the local goat's milk Crotin de Chavignol AOC cheese and pair it with a chilled lemony herbal Sancerre. A perfect regional cuisine match. American clients will enjoy comparing French Sauvignon Blancs, with for example Merry Edwards Russian River, in California.

Sample Itineraries

Wine Lovers Tour

Visit 1
Visit Chateau de Tracy in Pouilly
Visit 2
Vineyards walk before a gastronomic or traditional lunch or picnic in the vineyard.
Visit 3
Cross the Loire river and head to Sancerre & grower vineyard visit en route
Visit 4
Stroll through Sancerre with stops for more multi tastings
Visit 5
Panoramic view of the vineyards & final tasting if time

Chateau de Tracy

Château de Tracy has been run by the same family descending from the Comte d’Assay, since 1396 when “Les Champs de Crix” vineyard was purchased. The Domaine consists of 33 hectares on the slopes around the Château itself and those of Vilmoy. They grow Sauvignon, the unique grape variety of the Pouilly-Fumé appellation, in its colder latitude and most expressive. Exceptional soils (limestone and flint) highlight the nobility and the strength of the Sauvignon allow the production fruity, open and perfectly well-balanced wines. Decanter 89-94 points.

Henri Bourgeois

For 10 generations, the Bougeois family based in he village of Chavignol has devoted its passion and values to Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir on the greatest expressions of the terroirs of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. New Zealand guests will find it interesting to compare a visit to Henri Bourgeois who grows Sauvignon in both Sancerre and since 2000 their organic farm in Malborough. Decanter 88-94 points.

Grapes

Sancerre is known for crisp, flinty whites from the Savignon Blanc grape. Sauvignon Blancs are matured in stainless steel tanks or used-barrels for micro oxidization as a means to retain varietal character. Its reds are fruity, light to medium bodied, and made from the Cabernet Franc grape. 

Terroir

Geographically close but quite different wines, Sancerre tends to be lighter more elegant with a crisp citrusy, and mineral flavors with more subtle aromas. Pouilly Fumé is richer and more generous with tropical fruit flavors, and cassis. Sancerre is also quite close to the Chardonnays from Chablis with near-identical climates and soil.

  •   Calcareous-clay Terres Blanche soils create powerful, full-bodied wines
  •   Limestone Caillottes soils produce wines that are elegant and balanced
  •   Flint-rich Silex soils are the longest-lived with a distinct gunflint flavor

    • History

    The first important vineyard on the Loire was located in the eastern side of the valley at Sancerre. In the care of Augustinian monks at Saint Satur Abbey and the Dukes of Sancerre, these vineyards blossomed forth in the 12th century and have increased in appreciation ever since.

    Sancerre Wine Adventures

    Discover the world renowned Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé wine region, dominated by Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Theses white wines are well structured with acidity and citrus with mineral and herbal aromatics. Geographically close but quite different, Sancerre tends to be lighter and more elegant, closer to the Chardonnays of Chablis than Pouilly Fumé, which is richer and more generous with tropical fruit flavors.

    Multi Region Journeys

  • Best of the Best

    Sancerre / Chablis (2 days)

     • 
    Top winemaker cellar visits, tastings and vine walks in Sancerre and Chablis
     • 
    Visit the winery at 14th century Chateau de Tracy in Pouilly
     • 
    Wine pairing with local Chavignol AOC cheese at Henri Bourgeois
     • 
    Stay in a country house near Chablis


    Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay

    Sancerre / Chablis / Cote de Blancs / (3 days)

     • 
    Compare the taste of Grand Cru Chardonnays in Champagne and Chablis
     • 
    Various top producer visits in Sancerre and Chablis
     • 
    Visit the winery at 14th century Chateau de Tracy in Pouilly
     • 
    Family vineyard cellar visits and tastings
     • 
    Haute Domaine Immersive Experience with vineyard lunches


    Three White Grapes

    Vouvray / Sancerre / Chablis (5 days)

     • 
    Compare white wines created from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc
     • 
    Visit Chateau Chenonceaux, Amboise and Azay le Rideau
     • 
    Overnight stay in elegant country homes


    White Wine Varietal Trail

    Champagne / Burgundy / Loire Valley (10 days)

     • 
    Compare the taste of Grand Cru Chardonnays in Champagne and Burgundy
     • 
    Visit the village of Hautvillers and Reims Cathedral
     • 
    Cellar visit at Ruinart, Dom Perignon and Billecart Salmon
     • 
    Enjoy small family winemaker visits in Vouvray
     • 
    Visit small top wineries between Dijon and Beaune
     • 
    Visit Chateau Chenonceaux, Amboise and Azay le Rideau
    • |    Click to Enquire   Telephone us on +33.614.295.274