I recently received a message from the manager of a wine shop informing me of an excellent Sancerre that had been imported. It’s called Sancerre D’Antan, produced by Henri Bourgeois, and was introduced as a wine of high quality with a prominent minerality at a reasonable price. Also found 2020 vintage of Sancerre D’Antan has received higher praise and better critics’ ratings than other vintages, which was so excied🤩. Having recently purchased another mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Little Beauty, I thought it would be great to compare the two Sauvignon Blancs. Excited by the prospect, I promptly bought four bottles.😆
For more details on Little Beauty Sauvignon Blanc, please refer to my previous blog post, Unveil Marlborough’s 2 Little Beauty Gems: Pounamu and Little Beauty Sauvignon Blanc.👍🏻
As summer approaches, I’m eager to pair these wines with a traditional Korean body-nourishing dish, Japanese-style grilled eel. Recently, I visited a newly opened restaurant specializing in grilled eel called “Mushin,” near my home. Despite its recent opening, it has quickly become a favorite spot for me, with its delicious and fresh grilled eel and seafood dishes.🍱 I find myself visiting at least twice a month, particularly enjoying grilled eel to revive my energy during the hot summer days. I was especially excited about comparing two different Sauvignon Blancs with my favorite grilled eel dishes.😀
Table of Contents
1. Henri Bourgeois and Sancerre D’Antan
Henri Bourgeois is a family-operated winery that has been passed down through ten generations since its establishment in 1935. The Bourgeois family has a deep passion and tradition for wine production, which is evident in every bottle they produce. Henri Bourgeois primarily cultivates grapes in the Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé regions of the Loire Valley. These two areas are renowned for their high-quality Sauvignon Blanc wines, which have gained international acclaim.
Henri Bourgeois is committed to sustainable grape growing and environmentally friendly wine production methods. This commitment not only helps to maintain the health of the soil but also ensures the production of high-quality grapes. By combining the latest winemaking technologies with traditional methods, Henri Bourgeois consistently maintains the quality of their wines at the highest level. Their approach includes careful vineyard management and meticulous attention to detail during the winemaking process. This dedication to excellence is what makes Henri Bourgeois a respected name in the world of wine, and their wines a true reflection of the Loire Valley’s terroir.
2. Sancerre D’Antan Experience
One of the things that pleasantly surprised me upon opening the Sancerre d’Antan was its beautiful label that adheres cleanly to the bottle without leaving any residue when peeled off. This innovative idea makes the bottle more reusable, which I found very practical and environmentally friendly.👏🏻🌱
Upon pouring the wine, one of the first things that struck me about Sancerre d’Antan was its lively citrus notes. As soon as I poured the wine, I was greeted with fresh aromas of lemon and grapefruit.🍋 These zesty scents were incredibly refreshing and set the stage for what was to come. Alongside the citrus, there were subtle hints of white flowers and honeysuckle.🍯 These floral notes added a touch of elegance and complexity, making the wine’s bouquet both inviting and intriguing. Then came the sweet, fruity aroma of ripe peach. This hint of sweetness perfectly balanced the wine’s more intense mineral characteristics, creating a harmonious and well-rounded aroma profile.
On the palate, the vibrant citrus flavors of lemon and grapefruit mingled beautifully with the juicy sweetness of peach 🍑. The flint minerality imparted a slight salinity, which, combined with the wine’s crisp acidity, created a delightful depth of flavor. The creamy texture added a sense of richness, while the clean, crisp finish left a long, refreshing aftertaste.😌
3. Pairing Comparison: 2 Sauvignon Blancs with Grilled Eel
When paired with grilled eel, the complex minerality of Sancerre d’Antan pairs wonderfully with the sauce of the grilled eel, offering a deeper and more intricate flavor profile. The citrus and white flower aromas enhance the flavors of the grilled eel, while the delicate smoky notes complement the grilled aspect perfectly.
The fresh acidity of Little Beauty complements the sweet and savory sauce of the grilled eel perfectly, cutting through the richness and providing a clean finish. Additionally, its tropical fruit aromas, such as pineapple and mango, blend beautifully with the flavors of the grilled eel, creating a rich and vibrant taste experience in the mouth.
Through these pairings, I discovered that each wine brought out unique and delightful aspects of the grilled eel, enhancing the overall dining experience. Depending on the occasion and company, I believe these two wonderful wines would play a fantastic role in complementing various dining settings. 👏🏻
Now, to gain a better understanding of the two Sauvignon Blancs introduced above, let’s delve into a comprehensive explanation of Sauvignon Blanc and its regional characteristics.
4. Understanding Sauvignon Blanc and Regional Differences
Sauvignon Blanc is a light and refreshing wine, popular among beginners for its easy-drinking nature. Its fresh aroma, reminiscent of grass and exotic fruit flavors like passionfruit, captivates many. This unique profile results from the harmony of compounds called methoxypyrazines and thiols.
Methoxypyrazines are abundant in underripe grapes and decrease as they ripen. If too much remains in the finished wine, it can impart a sharp, grassy taste that may be perceived as a flaw. Therefore, most winemakers are not particularly fond of methoxypyrazines. However, Sauvignon Blanc is an exception. The right amount of methoxypyrazines gives Sauvignon Blanc its lively character. Wine critics often liken the aroma of methoxypyrazines in Sauvignon Blanc to gooseberry, cut grass, celery, or asparagus, and fresh herbs are common descriptors when describing Sauvignon Blanc.
Thiols, another compound defining the characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc, produce tropical fruit aromas like grapefruit or passionfruit. Thiols are not inherently present in Sauvignon Blanc but develop during the fermentation process. The amount of precursor compounds for thiols is proportional to sunlight exposure. Therefore, striking the right balance between abundant methoxypyrazines in underripe grapes and ample precursor compounds for thiols in ripe grapes is crucial in harvesting excellent Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc exhibits diverse characteristics depending on the region or producer. For instance, in New Zealand’s Marlborough region, it often showcases green vegetal notes 🌱and tropical fruit flavors like passionfruit, 🍹while in France’s Loire Valley, it leans towards restrained grassiness with refreshing citrus flavors 🍊🍋and pronounced minerality🪨. Of course, within the same region, styles vary widely depending on the producer’s individuality and winemaking techniques. There’s also significant variation based on whether the wine undergoes oak aging. Currently, unoaked Sauvignon Blancs with vibrant aromas and refreshing acidity are leading the market. However, oaked Sauvignon Blancs also have their charm, offering elegant texture, complexity, and robust structure, albeit with slightly less freshness. Both styles have their merits.
When it comes to Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand is the first country that comes to mind. Although Sauvignon Blanc has only been planted in New Zealand for about 50 years, it has quickly become the country’s signature varietal. Marlborough, in particular, can be considered the capital of Sauvignon Blanc. If a label bears the designation “Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc,” it’s generally a safe bet, given the consistent style and high quality.👍🏻 Additionally, affordability is a significant advantage. Nowadays, oaked Sauvignon Blancs are also gaining popularity.
France is the birthplace of Sauvignon Blanc, evident from its origin name, “Sauvage,” in French. It’s even involved in the natural cross-breeding of Cabernet Franc, giving rise to Cabernet Sauvignon. In France, the Loire Valley stands out, especially areas like Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé on the east side, known for their Sauvignon Blancs with subtle fruit flavors, crisp acidity, and bright minerality. Some wines exhibit restrained oak hints. While enjoyable upon release, aging for 5-7 years enhances complexity.
In Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc is either used alone or blended with Semillon to produce various wine styles. Particularly, Graves and Pessac-Leognan, with their grand cru chateaux, produce premium wines aged in oak barrels. Entre-Deux-Mers, located between the left and right banks, offers well-balanced and affordable wines. Sauvignon Blanc is also used in prestigious wines like Sauternes and Barsac.
In the United States, California is renowned for its oaked Sauvignon Blancs, often referred to as Fumé Blanc. With a few years of aging, these wines develop captivating honey and nut nuances. Recently, there’s a trend towards a restrained style with less oak influence.
Quality Sauvignon Blancs are also produced in South Africa, Chile, Australia, and beyond. Many high-quality Sauvignon Blancs from these countries are available, offering ample opportunities for exploration. In Europe, apart from France, Italy’s northern regions, as well as Austria and Germany, produce high-quality Sauvignon Blancs.
To celebrate the peak season of Sauvignon Blanc, aside from the two highlighted in this blog, I hope you explore other Sauvignon Blancs that fit your preferences. Chill them down and enjoy the refreshing Sauvignon Blanc to beat the summer heat! 😆⛱️🌞