Sancerre is one of the world’s greatest Sauvignon Blanc wines, said Eric Asimov in The New York Times. The mere mention of the name evokes a world of beautiful, luscious white wines produced on the eastern end of France’s Loire Valley. California, New Zealand, Chile, and South Africa also make excellent Sauvignon Blancs. But wines from Sancerre “reflect the place more than the grape.” In a recent tasting of 25 of these superb wines, we named these our favorites.

Lucien Crochet Sancerre 2007 ($22)
“Best value” and the only wine to score three and a half points on our four-star rating system. “Great depth and texture.”

Jean-Paul Picard Sancerre 2007 ($22)
Crisp, clean, complex.

Domaine Vacheron Sancerre 2007 ($32)
Wonderful floral, citrus, and mineral flavors.