The upper Loire Valley is known for two iconic wine growing regions – Pouilly Fume and Sancerre. Pouilly Fume to the east of the Loire river, and Sancerre to the west, each region’s terroir imparts slightly different characteristics to their respective wines.
The region of Sancerre is characterized by limestone and clay hills that are bisected by the upper portion of the Loire River. Vineyards are located on the southeast side of the Sancerre region in soils composed of a high proportion of clay-flint (silex). Quality is prioritized by limitation of vine yields, grass-growing in-between the vines, consideration of the lunar calendar, and close monitoring of each plot through a data management system. Only 14 villages and 3 hamlets in the region have the right to produce Sancerre.