Centre-Loire

Dominated by Sauvignon Blanc (82%), Sancerre produces dry, elegant white wines celebrated for their crispness and quality. Nestled along the left bank of the Loire, Sancerre covers 3,000 hectares (7430 acres). The three main soils are Terres blanches, made of limestone and clay (structured age-worthy wines), Caillottes, small limestone pebbles (aromatic, fruity wines), and Silex, which are flinty (smoky, mineral wines). The best can age for 10-15 years. Perfumed light-bodied red and rosé wines are also made here from Pinot Noir.

Sitting across the Loire river from Sancerre on the right bank, Pouilly-Fumé is a bastion of Sauvignon Blanc, accounting for 98% of its 1379 hectares (3400 acres). Viticulture here dates back to the 5th century and flourished under monks’ watchful eyes from the 12th century. Similar in soil composition to Sancerre but with a greater presence of flint (Silex), Pouilly-Fumé is renowned for its dry, crisp, aromatic white wines that often exhibit a characteristic gun-flint aroma. These wines are delightful in their youth yet also possess excellent aging potential.

Located across the Loire River from Sancerre, Pouilly-sur-Loire shares the same geographic footprint as Pouilly-Fumé but stands out with its rare production of Chasselas wines. Covering only 2% of the area's 1379 hectares (3400 acres), Chasselas vines are a unique feature in this predominantly Sauvignon Blanc region, making wines labeled under the Pouilly-sur-Loire appellation quite scarce. These dry white wines are light, crisp, and fruity.

Menetou-Salon, located just west of Sancerre, mirrors its neighbor in producing mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc and light, savory Pinot Noir. Covering 73% and 27% of the vineyards respectively, these grapes thrive in soils that include Kimmeridgian Marl, similar to those found in Chablis. This contributes a characteristic mineral freshness to the appellation's wines.

This appellation is uniquely planted with 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Positioned on a plateau over the Cher River Valley, Quincy spans just 330 hectares (790 acres). The climate is dry with warm summers, and the sandy soils help produce white wines with a fruit forward style. Ripe grapefruit as well as notes of menthol and white flowers are often found.

Sauvignon Blanc reigns here with over half of its production dedicated to dry, fresh, fruity white wines. Additionally, the appellation produces rosé, primarily from Pinot Gris known for its dryness and delicate, pale pink color, and light, fleshy reds made from Pinot Noir. Found west of Quincy in the Cher Valley, Reuilly covers 300 hectares (740 acres).

Spanning 200 hectares (495 acres) along the Loire River, Coteaux du Giennois is known for its flinty Sauvignon Blanc. Two-thirds of its vines are Sauvignon Blanc, producing mineral-rich wines akin to those from nearby Pouilly-Fumé. The appellation also crafts reds, about 25% of production, blending Pinot Noir and Gamay for light, fruity wines with distinct violet and cherry notes.

Châteaumeillant spans just 60 hectares (148 acres) and is the only appellation in Centre-Loire to be all about red grapes. Planted with 70% Gamay and 30% Pinot Noir, it’s renowned for its vin gris, a super pale, peach-noted rosé made from Gamay. Châteaumeillant also produces aromatic and fruity reds that showcase its unique volcanic soils - these soils are derived from the Massif Central, which contains dormant volcanoes.

Côtes de la Charité, one of two regional IGPs, specializes in white wines, comprising over 50% of its production. These are primarily made from Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, noted for their floral nose and buttery, dried fruit notes. The IGP also produces reds, about 40% of the total, mainly from Pinot Noir, known for their finesse.

Spanning just 25 hectares (62 acres), Coteaux de Tannay primarily focuses on white wines, which make up 76% of production. These whites, from varieties like Chardonnay, Melon de Bourgogne, and Pinot Gris, are noted for their lively minerality and roundness. The reds, from Pinot Noir and Gamay, offer spicy notes and a supple structure, while the rosés are praised for their fruity and floral aromas.