Summer vacations are meant for amazing journeys. But summer staycations, just like Try January versus Dry January, can be just as fun! Thank goodness because I’ve had an amazing French wine (French Sauvignon Blanc to be exact) experience right in my back yard. Destination: Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. How, you ask? Easy! At a wine tasting experience hosted by Paris 7 in Fort Worth, TX.
Sancerre, the holy ground of Sauvignon Blanc when it comes to French wine. Nestled in the Loire Valley wine region, Sancerre is not only a gorgeous city, it’s also the namesake of the iconic style of Sauvignon Blanc many winemakers work to emulate. This grape reigns with it’s crisp citrus, bright acidity, hints of minerality and herbaceousness. Small 2020 and 2021 harvests have made this rock star hard to come by, but the 2022 vintage is out and we’re all super excited!
Christian Cox from Serendipity Wines gave us a grand tour of multiple styles of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé showing off the versatility of Sauvignon Blanc. We’re thrilled to make our first stop Cave des Vins de Sancerre tasting the 2022 “Les Rochettes”. As the only cooperative in the region, multiple winegrowers partner on both the winemaking and marketing of their wine. Midwesterners rejoice! Full of tart gooseberry paired with crisp citrus, this bright and juicy wine is perfect for summer!
Our next step is Domaine Philippe Raimbault with the 2022 “Les Godons”. Herbaceous, grapefruit peel, and smoky ripe peach make this single vineyard beauty shine.
And we are off again. This time to Pouilly-Fumé, Loire Valley, France. Just a stone’s throw from Sancerre, along the banks of the Loire River, the vineyards here date back centuries. Sauvignon Blanc rules the day as the premier wine of the region. We explored Marc Dechamps 2021 “Vignes de Berge” from vines more than 45 years old. While still bright, tart, and citrusy, the older vines provide a deeper level of complexity.
Spending months on lees and nearly a year before bottling, Dechamps’ “Champs de Cri” presented a totally different style. Rich, round, orange peel, florals, soft herbs but with more intensity. From 70+ year old vines, this wine was an absolute favorite!
When it comes to French food and wine, what grows together goes together! Sauvignon Blanc pairs amazing with goat cheese, chicken, fish, asparagus and salads. Chef Mark Hitri at Paris West 7 in Ft. Worth, TX wow’ed us with his magical pairings! Santé!!!
Catch a few clips of my adventures on Instagram @kristiwinenerd!
Santé!!!
#wine #paris7threstaurant #sancerre #pouillyfume #sauvignonblanc #fortworth #loire #loirevalley #frenchwine
