Sancerre is located at the eastern end of the Loire Valley, on the western banks of the Loire river. Its sole grape variety for white wines is Sauvignon Blanc. When one thinks of French wine made with that grape, Sancerre must come to mind first.
The vineyards extend over eleven communes, each with their own network of hills which are home to the appellation's top vineyards. Like many wine regions in France, most producers have multiple vineyard holdings scattered across a number of different terrains and microclimates. The soils of these plots differ greatly but help to provide complexity found in Sancerre.
 
The weakest soil is clay and flint, and has vines with the most superficial root system. Grapes coming from these vines, however, have good acidity and forward fruit that gives them a lot of immediate appeal.
 
Another type of soil in other vineyards is called Portlandian, which combines limestone with pieces of chalk. This soil has good heat retention, giving the fruit from the vine a little more structure while still allowing plenty of fruit and floral aromas to emerge young.
 
The third type of soil is called Kimmeridgian and combines clay with limestone. This soil is harder, and more difficult for the roots to permeate. However, the resultant wines have more structure and potential complexity.

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The vineyards of Sancerre surround the hilltop town