Getting Bougie on the Wine Shelf

I have been away from Gigi's Wine Shelf for a very worthy reason. That's my story and I am sticking.

R & D.

No, not Research and Development. Research and Discovery about, Sancerre wine for the wine shelf.

In keeping with my quest for the least expensive wine experience, yet worthy of our palate and cash output here at Gigi's Wine Shelf, I jumped in to investigate why in the white wine world we should even care to sip this libation from the Loire Valley wine region in France.

As Sauvignon Blanc (translation: Wild White) is my preferred wine choice, my curiosity kept tipping over into the Sancerre category.

Made from 100% Sauvignon grapes, was the wine really worth the price?

Pricing and purchasing Sancerre from Trader Joe's, Costco, Total Wine and Publix, I have found the prices frequently change from day-to-day, always going up. However, I vowed to stay in the $30 or lower range, and it is a challenge, but can be done. The lowest price comes in at $19.99, for Charles Debourges, at Costco. This same label is from five to ten dollars more expensive at other outlets.

Although it is acceptably crisp, others I have sampled in the $25 range outrank it.

 If there is one thing I have discovered in my quest for affordable, Sancerre, is the fact that every outlet changes the price frequently, so when I find a good deal, I grab a few bottles.

Such was the case this past week, when my partner, not a wine drinker, but does use his credit card for wine purchases with regularity, and I went on what I call, a Sancerre Wine Scavenger Hunt for the best wine at the best price.

Although we were prepared to search several locations, we hit the Sancerre mother lode at our first stop, Doris Italian Market & Bakery.

Right there, on sale, a few bottles of Marquis de Goulaine Sancerre. Turns out it was an August wine special, and bottles were priced at $19.99. As this was a new varietal to me, I purchased with caution. Later in the evening, the new Sancerre and glasses properly chilled, it was tasting time. A few sips in and we were back in our vehicle off to buy more. I mean August is almost over.

Sipping and researching, I found Chateau de Goulaine is historic and located in, of course, the Loire Valley wine region near Nantes, France. Trust me, although the exact date of commercial wine production is unknown, the estate is the second-oldest known wine business still in existence. The castle estate is one of the last chateaux of the Loire Valley to still be producing wine.

Why I have preferred Sauvignon Blanc, and now Sancerre, is because, a heavy oaky taste in white wine does not suit my palate. Even better for me, Sancerre grapes are aged in 100% stainless steel. This matters because steel tanks do not add flavors, but allows the distinct limestone, or flint of the soil shine through. In addition, steel keeps wine cold and preserves the sharp, refreshing acid that Sancerre is famous for.

Now, that I have found my new favorite, I will keep an eye out for sales as the normal shelf price is in the $35 range. Plus, I will continue to search for other worthy new labels at a worthy price. I mean it is Gigi's Wine Shelf, not Gigi's Wine Cellar.

Cheers!

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