Sancerre versus New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

Tonight we are testing the differences between a French Sancerre and a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Sancerre is one of the most famous French white wine regions, and the top region for Sauvignon Blanc. According to the Oxford Companion to Wine, it has quadrupled its output during the past 50 years. It is known for its bright and complex wines, and for pairing with locally made goat cheeses.

On the other side is the Wairau Valley, New Zealand. Sauvignon Blanc has made New Zealand famous for wine around the world. New Zealand is known for producing bright and fresh wines.

Tonight, we are tasting a:

1. 2023 Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc purchased from Costco for $11.99. The wine is produced in Marlborough, New Zealand. This wine scored an 85 from the Wine Enthusiast. They called it green and a touch underripe; with sulfuric, onion, lime, and passion fruit aromas. Tastes are better with tangy lime zest and a slightly chalky texture. Acids keep it fresh.
2. 2022 Domaine des Cotes Blanches Sancerre purchased from Costco for $23.99. Sancerre comes from the Loire Valley, France. I’ve read that Sancerre is Taylor Swift’s favorite wine. The vineyard practices organic farming. They don’t use pumps in the winery and rely on gravity systems exclusively. The name “Cotes Blanches” pays homage to the stony white soils gracing the slopes of Sancerre. It has a color of Pale yellow with notes of light flint, plum, peach, and citrus fruit. Round with a nice mineral finish. Pairs with light appetizers, grilled fish, poultry, and goat cheese.

Next week, we will have a blind tasting, so the wines will be unknown. Join us to see if we can guess what we are drinking. We will also learn about the wines and their characteristics.