In the Bottle: How is Sancerre different from Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc?
Angelica Nohra
Wine Importer | Wine List Consultant | Speaker
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Sancerre are both popular white wines made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety, but they come from different regions and have some distinct differences in taste.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is produced in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, which is known for its cool climate and abundant sunshine. The wine is typically very aromatic, with strong flavours of tropical fruits, passionfruit, and grapefruit, as well as herbaceous notes of bell pepper and grass. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is usually light-bodied with high acidity, making it a refreshing and easy-drinking wine.
Sancerre, on the other hand, is a French wine produced in the Loire Valley region. The climate is slightly cooler than Marlborough, resulting in a wine that is more subtle and nuanced in flavour. Sancerre has a distinctive minerality and a crisp acidity, with flavours of citrus and green apple, and sometimes a hint of flint or smokiness. The wine is typically medium-bodied and can have a slightly more complex flavour profile than Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
They also have quite distinct soil differences.
Overall, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc tends to be more fruit-forward and easy-drinking, while Sancerre is more refined and complex. Both are delicious options for white wine lovers, and it ultimately comes down to personal taste and preference.
Want to give it a go and taste the difference? Try J de. Villebois Sancerre Silex and Caillottes to taste the difference between two different soil types and try Kono Sauvignon Blanc and Tohu Awatare Valley Sauvignon Blanc to try the difference between a 'wine of style' and a 'wine of place'.
