We have explored last week-end, le Sancerrois at the East end of the Loire Valley. This region is mostly famous for the vineyards of Sancerre where, since the Kings of France, the make one of the best white wine in France. They also make red wines, less famous, maybe not worth the detour.

They might remind you of the Burgundy white wine…Beaune is only 130 miles east.

Arrival to Sancerre - ©FJFY

 

Sancerre is a little town, perched on a rolling hill…which is kind of unusual in this area which is quite flat (mostly cultivated with cereals). The vineyards are on the hillsides, perfectly exposed to the sun.

Inside the town - ©FJFY

We let the expert talk about the Sancerre wine: “Wine expert Tom Stevenson describes the classic profile of Sancerre blanc as bone dry, highly aromatic with intense flavors of peaches and gooseberries.” (copyright Wikipédia)

 

Sancerre wines are made of Sauvignon vintage, they are very good…but we like even better the Pouilly Fumé, which is a very close vineyard, maybe little less famous (not as overpriced as Sancerre).

 

Emilie wine tasting - ©FJFY

Pouilly Fumé (also Sauvignon vintage) has an unusual flavor for a dry white wine: a strong flavor of musk and smoked. It is perfect with a Crottin de Chavignol cheese.

Do not confuse Pouilly Fumé with Pouilly Fuissé, a white wine from Burgundy.

If you would like to read more: http://www.wine-searcher.com/regions-sancerre

In Pouilly Fumé, we recommend Emmanuel Charrier, Domaine de l’Epineau. A brand new winemaker who has started 4 yeard ago and is already gold medal at the Paris wine contest. Domaine Charrier

In Sancerre: bio wine: Domaine Fouassier: http://www.fouassier.fr/accueil/wine.php

Domaine Fouassier is one of our favorite - ©FJFY

Then, like in all the Loire Valley, the local cheese, is made of goat milk. We have visited la Chèvrerie de La Fillouse in Suilly La Tour.

 

Guillaume & Jeanne at the goat cheese place - ©FJFY

 

Again met with a very brave farmer who have left the family cereal farm to bread his goats and make the local cheese: Crottins de Chavignol   (24/7 work!) Bravo!!! http://www.bienvenue-a-la-ferme.com/bourgogne/ferme-chevrerie-de-la-fillouse-231409/contact_plan_acces

Eventually, Sancerre has also some nice almond cake (very hard) that used to be dipped in the wine…when in the former times…the wine was not good enough to be drunk alone.

 

 

A special thanks to our friend Céline for the nice pictures!

France Just For You

Experts in self-drive tours in France

Travelers Reviews

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Patricia
This was a perfect holiday put together so personally for us by Emilie of France Just For You. Every B&B was exceptional with charming hosts. Our personalised tour book was excellent and everywhere that was suggested we visit never disappointed. We travelled through Burgundy, Loire Valley and Normandy over 17 days. So many highlights,two in …
Ed
This is the third year in a row that we have traveled to France, as part of a two country vacation. Because of our positive experiences with Emilie's help in the past, and our desire to be relatively independent, we chose to have her craft our French trip again this year. In a word, she is incredible! We have such a high level of confidence in her …
The C. family
Emilie and Guillaume: I want to send you this special thank you for making this trip truly spectacular! Our time in France was memorable precisely because of the people we've met, and the unique experiences we've had. We owe that all to you. There's no way that we ever would have been able to find the bed and breakfasts that you booked for us. And …
Tracey & Sandra
Without a doubt one of the best vacations my friend and I have ever taken! We keep raving to all about how authentic the trip was. Not only was every aspect of this trip gorgeous from the grape vineyards to the lavender fields to the mountainous towns and cathedrals, but the details were second to none. Emilie and Laura provided my friend and I …
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A perfect 2 weeks in Provence in the spring! My husband and I were delighted with the itinerary ‘FJFY’ put together for our 2-week self-drive road trip in Provence. During the planning stages Emilie and Laura asked insightful questions about our lifestyle and desires relating to travel. Communications were outstanding throughout the planning stage …
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It's hard to know where to begin. We stumbled across France Just For You by accident when researching ideas for our three week visit to France. We made contact with Emily by email and began a conversation over the coming weeks as she planned a self-guided holiday for us, designed to fulfil our dream of staying in French b'n'bs in wine-growing …

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