📜 Sancerre

Sancerre is a French protected designation of origin (AOC, PDO) for still white, red and rosé wines from the Cher department in the Loire Valley. It has been in the EU register since 18 September 1973.

The specification states that white wines are made only from Sauvignon, and red and rosé wines only from Pinot Noir. The appellation was recognised by decree on 14 November 1936.

The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength of 10.5% vol, and after enrichment the total strength may not exceed 13% vol. Fermentable sugars are limited to 4 grams per litre for white and rosé wines and 2.5 grams per litre for red wines. Red wines may contain at most 0.3 grams per litre of malic acid. Wood chips are forbidden, as is oenological charcoal for rosé wines.

Vines are planted at a minimum density of 6,100 per hectare, with rows at most 1.30 metres apart. Permitted pruning systems are single Guyot, double Guyot and Royat cordon, with limits on buds per vine.

The maximum yield is 65 hl/ha for white wines, 63 hl/ha for rosé and 59 hl/ha for red, with upper limits of 75 hl/ha for white and 69 hl/ha for rosé and red.

The spec lists 14 communes of the Cher where grapes are harvested and wines made and aged, from Bannay and Bué to Verdigny and Vinon. The label may carry the terms ‘Clos’ and ‘Château’.