Can you tell the difference....some say they can and I’m sure some people
can, but it’s a brave thing to say, be careful when challenged. I would
have no chance
The differences between these two appellations are very faint
and unless you are at a tasting with many Sauvignon Blancs from these two
appellations side by side it’s very hard to detect differences by tasting 1 wine at a time
and explaining those differences that will show consistently every vintage. One
year the Pouilly-Fumé is more perfumed and next year the Sancerre is richer and
fuller, but it’s all so slight and its more about the soil as well as the
climate that’s making these differences
what is true though both regions make great Sauvignon Blancs and what ever
your budget can afford I’m sure you’ll love it
Clay-flint (Silex) soil is all over both appellations and will give the gun
flint character, in the west of Sancerre appellation is a little different with
white limestone and clay mix (Caillottes & Torres Blanches) and can make some tougher, sturdier wines and the
rest of the areas dotted around both appellations the limestone has some
pebbles and makes refined wines. So you can maybe describe the style by soil
only and not the appellation, unless you’re brave enough to say you can.
But saying that there are some vineyard sites that can make very distinctive
wines, but single vineyard wines are not cheap and you would expect from any
appellation in the world that they will show distinct terroir, that’s why you
like them and drink them
The total area of Sancerre vineyards is double that of Pouilly-Fumé,
Sancerre also makes a lot of Pinot Noir about 20% of total wine production. Pouilly-Fume is only white from Sauvignon Blanc
So, where ever your Sauvignon Blanc is from, these two
appellations will show you the terroir, whether it’s from Pouilly-Fumé or
Sancerre and that’s why you drink it.
Try the Montes Dame village in Sancerre or the wines from around the hill of St Andelain in Pouilly-Fume
