What makes Sancerre so special? Happenstance and terroir.
It’s a fluke of history that Sancerre became synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc. The town was best known for its light red wines made from Gamay and Pinot Noir. After phylloxera swept through the Loire Valley, it was Sauvignon Blanc that took most readily to grafting in the village. Soon wine lovers became enamored with the mineral-drenched and highly perfumed white.
The terroir has a palpable impact on the wines, giving these whites their bright acidity, gooseberry-laced perfume, and chalky and stony minerality. The soils here are mostly Kimmeridgian chalk, the same found in the surprisingly close-by region of Chablis. There are pockets, too, of silex (flint) soils. Though the village of Pouilly-Fumé is better known for these soils, the silex imparts a distinctive smoky gunflint aroma to some Sancerre wines, too.
Despite the ravages of phylloxera, Sancerre is still home to Pinot Noir reds and rosés. The wines are bone-dry and lean towards being medium to light in body with floral and berry notes.
These are lovely wines for your table that show remarkable flexibility with food. This is the preferred white at Parisian bistros, after all. So, lift a glass of sunshine and stock up for your springtime festivities while the sale is on!
10% off any 12 or more in-stock Sancerre wines
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Discount ends Sunday, February 11th at 9 am Pacific
Shop the sale on our webstore now or browse the selections below:
Sauvignon Blanc Wines:
Alphonse Mellot Sancerre ‘Edmond’ 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93+ points “Compared to other whites, Mellot’s 2019 Sancerre Edmond is definitely from another world of thinking and winemaking. The nose indicates a more “natural” approach since it is more generous in its autumn-like fruit aromas (from dry old vines in fact) as well as more oxidative and phenolic. However, as it takes in more air, the purer and finer the wine becomes. On the palate, this is a pure and finessed as well as rich and intense Sancerre with a very long and complex finish. I wouldn’t say this is enormously powerful, but it is pretty powerful and truly intense in all dimensions. The intensity and richness is combined with mineral structure, fine tannins and a sustainability coming from the soils. This wine has enormous energy and is, in the end, a great one and with lots of iodine. 14% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in January 2022. Best after 2023.”
Alphonse Mellot Sancerre ‘Edmond’ 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 3 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 93 points “The 2020 Cuvée Edmond hails from a seven hectare, south-west-facing parcel sitting on kimmeridgian marl. Partially fermented in barrel and partially in wooden tanks, this is not Sauvignon as you know it – it is a wine led by texture not aromatics. Expect a succulent and silky Sancerre that is rich and concentrated. There’s a cloud of nectarine fruit that blossoms in the mouth before concluding with an almost tannic structure. The only minus is that the alcohol feels a little warm on the finish, detracting from the pleasure at the end, which is reflected in my score. Otherwise, outstanding.”
Now it’s even lower!
Alphonse Mellot Sancerre Generation XIX 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 95 points “The 2019 Generation XIX red is a deftly handled wine. It manages to be both rich and restrained, dense yet elegant. Finely scented and complex with black cherry, festive spices, tea leaves and a hint of black olive that linger long on the sinewy, drawn-out finish. You can expect your mouth to be swathed in an attractive chalky texture.”
Alphonse Mellot Sancerre Le Paradis Blanc 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 90-92 points “Tasted in tank in July 2022 with an anticipation of bottling later in the year, the 2021 Le Paradis is a precise wine with firm line and sinew that requires the drinker to like acid; 2021 was a cool season, and this also shows the vintage conditions in its fresh pineapple and elderflower flavors. But don’t think that means greenness, this is ripe but tangy.”
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $120.99
Didier Dagueneau Sancerre Le Mont Damné 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $249, that’s $236.55 at 5% off and $224.10 at 10% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 94 points “The 2019 Sancerre Le Mont Damné has an intensity and bounce to it as if it is heralding the start of an announcement on a tannoy: bing, bong, bing. Off this prized kimmeridgian soil vineyard above the village of Chavignol, it remains closed and a little uptight, making you wait for the big reveal. While many 2019 Sancerres were on the bigger side, this is taut and precise with no sense of any overripeness nor alcohol heaviness. It’s not Sauvignon Blanc-like either, speaking more of its place than variety, which seems to be the goal of every producer in Sancerre, which is rather disrespectful to the grape in my mind. Instead, there’s a crystalline character, a savoriness, crip apple and the merest hint of almond. Exemplary stuff.”
Domaine du Nozay Clos du Nozay Sancerre 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Wilson Daniels importer note “One of the oldest plots of the Estate which is completely enclosed by walls and hedges with a slope of 43 degrees. Vinification is carried out in terracotta jars creating its own natural vortex so that is lasts as long as possible with no artificial yeasts, no superfluous additives or thermoregulation. In the heart of the jar, for our Cuvée ‘Clos du Nozay’, an alchemy takes place between wine, terracotta and oxygen. This type of aging allows slow and regular aeration of the wine through the pores of the jar, which will promote the expression of aromas. It allows Sauvignon to be as close as possible to its terroir and to release a purity of natural expression.”
Domaine du Nozay La Maratre Sancerre 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 89 points “Shows sweet green herbs and white peach, with a flinty, steely edge. A medium-length version, intensely salty and mineral-driven, with racy acidity, a bony frame and a layer of smoke. Drink now through 2026.”
Now it’s even lower!
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Clos de Beaujeu 2021 1.5L Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 6 magnums in stock now
Importer Note “One of Chavignol’s most historic vineyards, Boulay’s parcel lies within the original Clos of the vineyard, established by the monks of Beaujeu in the Middle Ages. The walls of the Clos are no longer standing as they were originally built from clay and hay, and did not withstand the test of time. Boulay farms a 0.75 hectares plot of 30- to 60-year-old vins where the soils are pebbly, lime-rich and strewn with fossils. Along with the 60% gradient for much of the vineyard, the rocky soils make this parcel very difficult to farm. Clos de Beaujeu is the source of some of Boulay’s deepest, most structured wines and savory, spicy examples of Chavignol that are built to last.”
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price on a magnum is $139
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Comtesse 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “From 50-75 year old vines located in the sweet spot of the Mont Damnés vineyard (bottom of the slope, near Clos La Neore of Vatan), this is often the most powerful wine from Boulay’s lineup. Vintage 2005 was the inaugural release.”
Close-Out Sale Wine: Was $499
Edmond Vatan Sancerre Clos la Neore 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $389, that’s $369.55 at 5% off and $350.10 at 10% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 98 points “Almost Riesling-like in its firm yet fine personality, its unswerving purity and its clear translation of place … It offers exceptional concentration while being light bodied and provides a steely core of acidity, keeping the wine together and powering on.”
Close-Out Sale Wine: Was $799
Edmond Vatan Sancerre Clos la Neore 2018 1.5L Displayed Price: $699, that’s $664.05 at 5% off and $629.10 at 10% off, 2 magnums in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 96 points “Clarity is a term that accurately describes the 2018 Sancerre Clos La Neore. It has a pure and intense core of fruit. But it’s not fruity. It’s a sophisticated style with a distinctive aromatic profile- chamomile tea, lemon, honey, and almond meal and an almost tonic-like edge. While showing the ripeness of the 2018 season, it retains its shape with a corset of acidity and phenolics that guide the wine on and on.”
Pinot Noir Rosé and Red Wines:
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Sibylle Rosé 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $28, that’s $26.60 at 5% off and $25.20 at 10% off, 33 bottles in stock now
Yohan Castaing-Wine Advocate 91+ points “The 2022 Sancerre Rose Sibylle reveals aromas of spring flowers, ripe red berries, lemon, rose petals and spices with menthol hints. Perfectly balanced, textured, juicy and fresh, it’s nicely tense with a long, mouthwatering finish. Recommended.”
Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Rosé 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Importer note “Always one of the top rosés from Sancerre by anyone’s reckoning, the secret to this wine is that it has never been an afterthought. The pale salmon color is the result of a direct pressing of Pinot Noir from 30- to 50-year-old vines planted on flint, clay and limestone soils. Certified organic and biodynamic.”
Close-Out Sale Wine: Was $33
Lucien Crochet Sancerre Pinot Rosé 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $28, that’s $26.60 at 5% off and $25.20 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Sancerre Pinot Rosé: Made exclusively of Pinot Noir harvested from several parcels … a mix of Oxfordian “caillottes” and Kimmeridgian “marne”. This Rosé is made using the direct press method with the whole berries entering the pressoir. The musts ferment in temperature-controlled cuves (85%) as well as a small percentage in older barrels (15%). The fermentation occurs over three weeks. The wines is bottled in the spring of the following year.”
Now it’s even lower!
Domaine Denizot Sancerre Rouge 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $28, that’s $26.60 at 5% off and $25.20 at 10% off, 1 bottle in stock now
“The 2022 Sancerre Rouge is a fruit-filled and floral Pinot Noir. It’s light and fresh, leaving the mouth watering. The 2022 is dry, lightly smoky and has the chalkiest of tannins.” -Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Oriane Rouge 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $44, that’s $41.80 at 5% off and $39.60 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Notes “Although pinot noir based roses from the Loire have built up a lot of cache in the past few years, the Sancerre region used to be renowned for red wines. The cherry and raspberry perfumed nose of this wine is lifted by ample acidity and minerality for a truly elegant expression of Sancerre rouge.”
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $52
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Oriane Rouge 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 17 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous 91 points “The 2020 Oriane is a young, richly fruited mouthful of suave, aromatic Pinot Noir. It is somewhat atypical on the nose with agave and wormwood-like characters – a result of half of the wine undergoing whole bunch fermentation – joining cola, wood smoke and licorice. Round with good concentration and a veil of powdery, chalky tannins coating all sides of the palate, reflecting the Kimmeridgian soils of the vineyards. Fine length and line.”
Simon Bize sale:
Buy any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Simon Bize and receive a 5% discount off of their listed price. Offer limited to stock on hand.
Vinopolis Grand Close-Out Sale:
5% off any 6-11 in-stock Vinopolis Close-Out Sale wines &
10% off any 12 or more in-stock Vinopolis Close-Out Sale wines
Discount does not combine with other current sales, but it DOES apply to Close-Out case skus!
Selbach Sale:
5% off any 6-11 in-stock Selbach-Oster wines &
10% off any 12+ or more in-stock Selbach-Oster wines
Discounts will not display online or in your cart.
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.