Spring for Sancerre
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Goat cheese is a sign of spring in France. When we had a few people over this past weekend, I was sure to have a nice chevre–even if there is still snow on the ground. Grrr…
One of our friends stated his dislike for goat cheese. Then when I brought out a Sancerre, two guys raised their eyebrows, “WHITE wine?!?” Skeptics all around!
We poured a Sancerre and the raised eyebrows lowered, intensely studying the aromas and color. Not half bad was the sentiment conveyed with a nod.
Then the goat cheese skeptic tried the cheese and washed it down with the Sancerre. And again. And again. He proclaimed it a great match!
So check out the 2005 Chavignol from Thomas-Labaille’s vineyard “les Monts Damnés” or “damned mountains” (about $20, find this wine. The name reminds me of the red “Hell’s mountain“). This name derives from the steepness of the vineyard’s slope of which compels the growers to hand harvest whether they want to or not. Since this is not the norm in Sancerre, the resulting wine has a beautiful blend of richness and crispness that can convince non-chevre eaters and even non-white wine drinkers of its virtues.
Got any favorite pairings with goat cheese? Hit the comments!
Related:
“Spring for Savennieres” [Dr. V]
“BREAKING: Sarkozy tastes Sancerre, promises wine reforms” [Dr. V]
One of the "seven best wine blogs." 
One of the three best wine blogs
On March 22nd, 2007 at 11:49 am ,Steve wrote:
Doc,
I actually like Loire reds with chevre — the high acidity and green pepper of the Cab Franc seems to work very well. The key is to get a very basic light cuvee (read: cheap) as the increased extract in the more expensive ones is unwanted and lost on the cheese. Of course if the above two guys were present, I too would be forced to serve a white wine. For the most part methinks Loire wine + chevre = good. Even bring on the Muscadet
On April 12th, 2007 at 9:28 am ,Tommaso wrote:
Tyler,
I have a glass of sauvignon blanc with chevre and crackers before dinner almost every night (at least when I’m home). I guess you could say that I’m addicted to it.
Regarding Sancerre - I’ll never forget one that I had in a wine bar in Paris many years ago. It came out of an unmarked bottle, or should I say container. I haven’t been able to find anything like it here. For me Sancerre is a little pricey for an everyday white, but I will look for the one you recommended to try on a weekend when I splurge a little. Thanks.