There is no doubt that Sancerre is popular. A rendition is on practically every bistro’s wine list, often by the glass, whether in Paris or New York. And for good reason. With real Sancerre you taste the chalk and limestone of the appellation – the terroir speaks – not the too often cat-pee-like herbaceousness of the grape, Sauvignon Blanc. My wife calls Sauvignon Blanc “the nasty grape,” but loves Sancerre. I am sure she’s not alone. With its popularity, of course, comes Sancerre that tastes more like varietal Sauvignon Blanc than Sancerre. Thankfully, not Domaine des Griffes. With a lovely cutting mineral-like accents, it is the real thing. Not heavy, but with enough weight, it would be a good choice with grilled swordfish in a caper butter sauce.
93 Michael Apstein – August 26, 2026