Maybe it’s the uncharacteristically warm weather today; maybe it’s the fact that I’m having a quick bite with my friend Emma tonight, and we always enjoy this bottle together; or maybe it’s a combination of both. But one of my absolute favorite “go to” bottles is the Cheverny Blanc by Domaine du Salvard. A standard on both our glass and bottle lists since opening day in the spring of 2016, Cheverny has been a favorite of our customers for years. Many wine aficionados are familiar with Sancerre (thanks in part to E. L. James for notoriously popularizing it in 50 Shades of Grey), and most are aware that Sancerre is considered the premier French Appellation for producing Sauvignon Blanc. While New Zealand often comes to mind when one thinks of Sauvignon Blanc, this varietal’s snooty French cousin in the Loire Valley is a bit less acidic, and is more balanced, elegant, and refined, in my opinion. This is why Sancerre is relatively expensive in the world of Sauvignon Blanc. But allow me to let you in on a little secret: Cheverny is located right next door to Sancerre, and is also within the confines of Loire Valley, and so the Sauvignon Blanc they produce is a dead ringer for Sancerre, but at a more affordable price point. So stop in to Madiran and enjoy a glass for only $10, or share a bottle with friends for $40.
À votre santé!
– Lauren
Note: I posted this to social media yesterday, so I’m publishing it here one day later.