Central vineyards

Further up on the Loire, towards the centre of France we find the central vineyards. Surrounding the ancient city of Bourges, vineyards are spread across the hilly terrain.  Climate of this area is continental, and the temperature fluctuates largely going down to -1°C in winter and up to 26°C in summer. Various meso-climates are formed by the influences of the surrounding hills and the north-west wind.  Soil here is mostly limestone with a little clay.  The wine production is largely white from Sauvignon Blanc but red and rosé made from Pinot Noir are increasingly popular. The cool northerly sites of Sancerre produce very light examples of Pinot Noir similar to those of Alsace to the east. The two most famous villages on the Loire are located here, with Sancerre on the left bank and Pouilly-sur Loire facing it on the right bank. The wines of Pouilly Fumé and Sancerre are some of the greatest and most sought-after examples of Sauvignon Blanc found anywhere in the world.