10 Delightful Sancerre Rouge Wines from Loire Valley (Taste, Prices 2024)

Sancerre is a small appellation in the Loire Valley, central France, and is known for its classic white wine, Sancerre Blanc.

While these stunning Sauvignon Blancs get most of the attention, Sancerre also produces some fantastic red wine! 

This “Sancerre Rouge” red wine is made entirely from the Pinot Noir grape variety, and ranges in hues from light to deep burgundy.  This article will look at 10 Sancerre Rouge wines you can try, some great food pairings, and whether you should invest in Sancerre Rouge.

10 Sancerre Rouge Red Wines You Have To Try

• 2019 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Rouge 'Les Marnes'
• 2014 Alphonse Mellot Sancerre Generation XIX Rouge
• 2018 Domaine Vincent Pinard Sancerre Vendanges Entieres
• 2018 Pascal Cotat Sancerre Chavignol Rose
• 2012 Alphonse Mellot Sancerre La Demoiselle Rouge
• 2015 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Belle Dame Rouge
• 2014 Pierre Prieur et Fils Cuvee Maréchal Prieur
• 2015 Lucien Crochet La Croix du Roy
• 2015 Domaine Vincent Pinard Sancerre Charlouise
• 2011 Lucien Crochet Sancerre La Croix du Roy Rouge

1. 2019 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Rouge 'Les Marnes', Loire, France ($168)

This red wine has a lovely aroma of light pepper, juicy red plums, and sweet red cherry. This wine is smooth and velvety on the palate, with notes of flowers, earthy forest floor, spiced red fruit, and hints of mushrooms.  

2. 2014 Alphonse Mellot Sancerre Generation XIX Rouge, Loire, France ($144)

The nose of this wine has an aroma of morello cherry, black pepper, and minerals.  This wine is vibrant and fresh-tasting on the palate with notes of ripe cherry and luscious blackberries. 

3. 2015 Jean-Max Roger Sancerre La Grange Dimiere Rouge, Loire, France ($33)

This Pinot wine opens up with notes of cedar, spicy nutmeg, and syrupy chocolate, and a smoky hint on the nose. This wine has a plump acidity but is smooth on the palate, with notes of crisp red fruit and fine tannins.

4. 2018 Pascal Cotat Sancerre Chavignol Rose, Loire, France ($80)

On the nose, this Pinot Noir wine has leathery gun smoke and tame floral notes. The flavor is a combination of minerals, red berries, and earthy tones, such as honey, chalk, and truffle, which lead you to an exquisite finish.

5. 2012 Alphonse Mellot Sancerre La Demoiselle Rouge, Loire, France ($89)

This rouge is an incredibly balanced wine with a zesty citrus peel aroma with subtle smoke and wet stone hints. This red wine has elegant tannins, medium acidity, and notes of pomegranate, cherry, smoke, and tobacco on the palate. 

6. 2015 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Belle Dame Rouge, Loire, France ($78)

Flavors of small red berries fill the mouth as one sips this wine, as well as notes of cigar boxes, mushrooms, noble wood, with hints of oak, vanilla, and licorice notes. This Sancerre Rouge has a high tannin level and an excellent finish.

7. 2014 Pierre Prieur et Fils Cuvee Maréchal Prieur, Sancerre ($35)

This wine has mature red and spiced black fruits notes on the palate. The long and persistent finish has notes of tropical fruit, earthy herbs, and dynamic lemon zest, with a hint of oak and soft tannins.

8. 2015 Lucien Crochet La Croix du Roy, Sancerre ($32) 

This Pinot wine opens with a fruity bouquet, with notes of plump raspberries, wild strawberries, cherry, and earthy tones. The tasting notes include a dominant oak flavor, red fruit, and leathery mushrooms. In the background, there is a flavor of cedar, vanilla, and chocolate.

9. 2015 Domaine Vincent Pinard Sancerre Charlouise, Loire, France ($63)

This colorful red wine is full of freshness, with notes of red fruit, caramel, and cigar boxes intertwined on the palate.

10. 2011 Lucien Crochet Sancerre La Croix du Roy Rouge, Loire, France ($29)

This wine opens up with notes of apple and citrus blended with oak. Crisp red fruit married with green herbs and earthy tones creates the flavor combination of this wine. This red wine has a honeyed finish with hints of rich oak and spice.

Interestingly, the Pinot Noir grape variety is considered one of the most rewarding grapes as it reflects the terroir it has grown in.

In the Sancerre wine appellation, the Pinot grape enjoys the Kimmeridgian Marl (limestone soil,) the careful vinification process, and fermentation in oak barrels, producing the Rouge wine we enjoy today.

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Ideal Food Pairings with Sancerre Rouge

A bottle of Sancerre Rouge is often served during the main course of the meal. 

There is an array of foods that will pair flawlessly with Sancerre Rouge - from American fried chicken, grilled meat as well as pork cut. A red Sancerre will also pair amazingly with white meat and fish. 

A great example of a flawless pairing is the 2015 Lucien Crochet La Croix du Roy paired with tender game, juicy veal, or poultry. 

A full-bodied rouge can also become the star of the show as it can complement the intense flavor of various red meats with its aromatic nose.

These wines are great for a dinner party, but do they age well?

Aging Potential of Sancerre Rouge

You can enjoy a Sancerre Rouge in its youth, but the best vintages can also age for around 10 years.

Some Sancerre Rouge vintages also enjoy a steady price appreciation. A bottle of 2010 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Rouge 'Les Marnes' grew by 25% in 2020-’21, from $93 to $117.

If you’re looking for investment-worthy red wines, Vinovestis an online wine investment company that can help you build your wine portfolio, securely store your precious investments, and over time, sell them at a profit!

Build Your Red Wine Portfolio

The stunning red wine from the Sancerre Domaine is starting to become very popular among wine enthusiasts. Your Sancerre Rouge will also pair perfectly with your favorite meal.

Want to include high-quality Pinot Noir bottles and other age-worthy ones in your wine collection?

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