Set in the heart of the Loire Valley, along the river that lends the region its name, the vineyards of Centre-Loire are home to some of the world’s most elegant expressions of Sauvignon Blanc.
But beyond iconic appellations like Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, this wine region surprises with the diversity of its terroirs and the variety of cuvées it has to offer.
Let’s dive into this part of the Loire where terroir, grape varieties, and winemaking tradition come together to create truly distinctive wines.
The Centre-Loire Wine Region
Located in the Loire Valley, the Centre-Loire wine region spans over 6,000 hectares. It encompasses eight PDO appellations, the most well-known being Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, and Menetou-Salon.
When it comes to grape varieties, Sauvignon Blanc clearly leads the way, accounting for nearly 80% of all plantings.
This is where the grape reaches one of its purest and brightest expressions, marked by vibrant acidity and a distinct minerality — sometimes even smoky — especially on the flinty soils of Pouilly-Fumé.
8
PDO
- Sancerre
- Pouilly-Fumé
- Menetou-Salon
- Quincy
- Reuilly
- Coteaux du Giennois
- Châteaumeillant
- Pouilly-sur-Loire
2
PGI
- Côtes de la Charité
- Coteaux de Tannay
7
Grapes
- Sauvignon blanc (80%)
- Pinot noir (15%)
- Gamay (1,5%)
- Pinot gris (0,8%)
- Chasselas
- Chardonnay
- Melon de Bourgogne
- 695 winegrowers and 2 cooperative wineries
- 85% white wines, 11% red, 4% rosé
- 65% of estates are committed to environmentally friendly practices
The Expression of Terroir: Where Soil Meets Know-How
Beyond the natural elegance of Sauvignon Blanc, what truly sets Centre-Loire wines apart from one appellation to the next is the richness and diversity of their terroirs.
The region is built on a complex mosaic of soils shaped by 15 geological eras, each one influencing the identity of the wines. From humid marl to light sandy soils, through flint, limestone caillottes, and clay-limestone, each type of soil contributes to the wine’s texture, aromatic profile, and structure.
- Flint brings tension, minerality, precision, and sometimes a distinctive smoky note.
- Clay-limestone soils add roundness, volume, and structure to the palate.
- Limestone produces lively, fresh wines with a clear aromatic expression.
- Sandy and gravelly soils tend to yield lighter, fruit-forward and expressive wines.
No matter how noble the grape variety, it can only truly reach its full potential when it harmonizes with the soil’s geology and the winemaker’s craft. It’s this unique combination of nature and human touch that allows the terroir to fully shine through in every glass.
Explore Centre-Loire Wines
Domaine de Montbenoit Côteaux du Giennois 2023
Located in the northern part of Centre-Loire, the Coteaux du Giennois appellation is not as known here as other appellation in the region like Sancerre. It produces not only white wines, but also reds and rosés, all shaped by a wide range of diverse terroirs.
At Domaine de Montbenoit, brothers Florian and Clément Berthier represent the fifth generation of winemakers. Certified organic since 2022, they craft their wines with minimal intervention.
This Sauvignon Blanc charms with its fresh, mineral-driven profile and notes of acacia, pear, lime, and a subtle flinty edge — a clear expression of its silex-rich soils.
An expressive, well-balanced wine, perfect with seafood, scallop ceviche, or goat cheese.
SAQ (22,95$)
Joseph Mellot Sancerre La Chatellenie 2023
Located on the left bank of the Loire River, Sancerre is without a doubt one of the most iconic appellations in Centre-Loire.
This white wine captures the purity of Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc, standing out with its tension, minerality, and precise aromatics.
On the nose, it reveals citrus, lime, and a subtle saline touch. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with a clean, crisp finish. A wine that’s both complex and delicate — ideal with seafood, grilled fish, or scallop tartare.
SAQ (32,75$)
Domaine Fouassier Sancerre Les Grous 2023
This single-vineyard Sancerre comes from 30- to 55-year-old vines planted on limestone-rich slopes within the estate. Aged on lees for one year in stainless steel tanks, this Sauvignon Blanc showcases the precise mineral character of its terroir.
On the palate, it’s tense and vibrant, with notes of lemon, white flowers, and ripe apple, supported by a smooth texture and a long, saline finish.
Bring out the oysters, seafood, or goat cheese bites — this elegant and expressive Sauvignon Blanc is made for them.
SAQ (37,25$)
Domaine Pellé Menetou-Salon Morogues 2023
From the hills of Morogues, one of the flagship villages of the Menetou-Salon appellation, this Sauvignon Blanc from Domaine Pellé beautifully reflects the freshness and precision of its Kimmeridgian marl terroir.
Grown according to organic principles, with a biodynamic conversion underway for the past two years, the result is a wine that’s both vibrant and fruit-forward, with notes of pear, citrus, and a saline, slightly iodized finish. Perfect with oysters, smoked salmon, or a Greek salad.
SAQ (30,25$)
Domaine des Fines Caillottes Pouilly-Fumé
This Pouilly-Fumé perfectly captures the richness and complexity of the appellation. Its terroir—made up of flint, marl with fossilized oyster shells, and limestone caillottes—brings pronounced minerality, vibrant tension, and refined aromatics to the wine.
Aged on lees for several months, this Sauvignon Blanc delights with notes of exotic fruits, pear, and apple, supported by flinty undertones and a beautifully saline finish. A precise, elegant wine, ideal with appetizers, seafood, or fresh salads.
SAQ (31$)
Domaine Jonathan Didier Pabiot Pouilly-Fumé Élisa 2023
This expressive cuvée, grown on clay-limestone and flinty soils in Pouilly-sur-Loire, strikes a beautiful balance of roundness, freshness, and salinity. Made from young vines (4 to 10 years old), it is aged on lees for 6 to 8 months in stainless steel and concrete tanks. The wine opens with aromas of citrus and white flowers, underpinned by a bright minerality from the flint-rich terroir. A luminous and generous Pouilly-Fumé, perfect with grilled fish, seafood, or creamy goat cheese.
SAQ (31$)
Domaine de Reuilly Reuilly Rosé Pinot Gris 2023
A surprise among this selection: it’s not Sauvignon Blanc in the spotlight, but Pinot Gris.
This delicate rosé, so pale it could easily be mistaken for a white wine, offers a soft, fruity palate with notes of melon, ripe pear, white peach, and a floral touch.
Aged on fine lees for five months in stainless steel, it gains roundness and freshness, supported by a lovely aromatic intensity.
A true pleasure wine, perfect as an aperitif or with charcuterie, asparagus, or light Asian-inspired dishes.
SAQ (24,05$)
