In his “Wines of the Times” column this morning, Eric Asimov reminded us of the beauty of Sancerre, a sauvignon blanc from the Loire Valley in France. If you’ve found yourself drawn to our lower-priced sauvignon blancs from Chile, New Zealand or South Africa, this would be a great splurge wine. If you’re already convinced, like Asimov, that Sancerres offer characteristic restraint and subtle perfumes of and flavors of “lime, grapefruit and lemon, of flowers and sometimes of herbs, and of minerality” with “a texture and depth to them that belies the widespread notion that sauvignon blanc can produce only simple wines”, you’ll be happy to know that ours, the Jean Paul Picard 2007, was number two in the Times tasting.

Asimov describes it as “crisp and clean, with lingering mineral and herbal flavors.” It’s perfect pair is a fresh chevre goat’s cheese – Jada recommends the Lincoln Log. You’ll feel like you’re cruising down the Loire, only you’ll have saved on airfare.

Jean-Paul Picard Sancerre 2007 (Manhattan)
Jean-Paul Picard Sancerre 2007 (Brooklyn)