Sancerre & Pouilly-Fume

Can you tell the difference....some say they can and I’m sure some people can, but it’s a brave thing to say, be careful when challenged. I would have no chance


The differences between these two appellations are very faint and unless you are at a tasting with many Sauvignon Blancs from these two appellations side by side it’s very hard to detect differences by tasting 1 wine at a time and explaining those differences that will show consistently every vintage. One year the Pouilly-Fumé is more perfumed and next year the Sancerre is richer and fuller, but it’s all so slight and its more about the soil as well as the climate that’s making these differences

what is true though both regions make great Sauvignon Blancs and what ever your budget can afford I’m sure you’ll love it

Clay-flint (Silex) soil is all over both appellations and will give the gun flint character, in the west of Sancerre appellation is a little different with white limestone and clay mix  (Caillottes & Torres Blanches) and can make some tougher, sturdier wines and the rest of the areas dotted around both appellations the limestone has some pebbles and makes refined wines. So you can maybe describe the style by soil only and not the appellation, unless you’re brave enough to say you can. 

But saying that there are some vineyard sites that can make very distinctive wines, but single vineyard wines are not cheap and you would expect from any appellation in the world that they will show distinct terroir, that’s why you like them and drink them

The total area of Sancerre vineyards is double that of Pouilly-Fumé, Sancerre also makes a lot of Pinot Noir about 20% of total wine production. Pouilly-Fume is only white from Sauvignon Blanc

So, where ever your Sauvignon Blanc is from, these two appellations will show you the terroir, whether it’s from Pouilly-Fumé or Sancerre and that’s why you drink it. Try the Montes Dame village in Sancerre or the wines from around the hill of St Andelain in Pouilly-Fume