Fans spotted a brief glimpse of a bottle of Sancerre from Domaine de Terres Blanches in Taylor Swift’s documentary series on Disney+, End of an Era.Scott A Garfitt/The Canadian Press
A cameo in Taylor Swift’s Disney+ documentary sparked a surge in sales for Domaine de Terres Blanches. One of the winery’s Sancerre bottles is visible next to an empty wine glass for two seconds during the last episode of End of an Era, prompting fans to christen it “Taylor’s Wine.”
“It’s a surprising spotlight on our relatively small domaine,” says Clément Simoneau, export manager for Saget La Pierre, which owns Terres Blanches and five other estates in France’s Loire Valley. “It’s good for the whole appellation.”
Located on a hilltop on the left bank of the Loire River, the Sancerre region has cultivated grapevines since Roman times. The pungent and piercing nature of white wines produced from sauvignon blanc grapes in the appellation have been featured by restaurants around the world since the 1980s.
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The Saget family makes wine across the whole Loire region, which is one of France’s most varied wine-producing regions. They own six estates and 890 acres of vineyards along the Loire River, also producing chenin blanc, cabernet franc, gamay, melon de Bourgogne and other varieties from the Anjou, Touraine and Muscadet appellations. Many of the Loire’s wine styles remain relatively obscure outside of France.
Beyond its easy-to-pronounce name, Simoneau says he’s uncertain why Sancerre became a global phenomenon while equally distinctive sauvignon blancs from nearby villages, such as Pouilly-Fumé and Menetou-Salon, are overlooked.
“They know Sancerre and are ready to pay the price for it,” he says.
Swift’s admiration for Sancerre’s crisp and compelling character is well established. In a 2019 interview with Ellen DeGeneres, she explains white wine is her go-to item to bring to a dinner party, specifically Sancerre, pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc.
Simoneau isn’t sure which of the Terres Blanches Sancerres Swift enjoyed – its appearance on screen is too brief to be certain – but suspects it’s Le Vallon, one of three single-vineyard wines from Sancerre produced by the winery. The winery’s total production ranges between 80,000 and 120,000 bottles a year.
Saget La Pierre owns Domaine de Terres Blanches and five other estates in France’s Loire Valley.Saget La Pierre/Supplied
Terres Blanches wines quickly sold out in the United States after the Dec. 23 premiere of the episode. A similar sales boost has been seen at British Columbia’s Everything Wine shops.
Dave Smith, director of buying for the retailer that operates six stores and sells online, reports sales of Terres Blanches as well as other wines from Sancerre increased 77 per cent since the broadcast aired.
“It’s not typically a big seller in January,” explains Smith, who points out Terres Blanches’ premium price of $49.29 makes it a wine enthusiast’s selection.
Twenty cases of the winery’s introductory label, which blends sauvignon blanc grapes from all its vineyards, will be released Feb. 7 through LCBO Vintages outlets. In Ontario, it will retail for $41.95.
Global interest in Terres Blanches is the latest example of Swiftonomics, the cultural and economic boost generated by the 36-year-old superstar. Her influence extends beyond music and ticket sales and her passion for wine has benefited brands before.
A post on Instagram by music producer Jack Antonoff in November, 2023, featured Swift in his kitchen next to an unidentified wine bottle. The wine’s unique appearance helped curious fans identify it as Gaslighter rosé from Gundlach Bundschu winery in Sonoma, inspiring a rush of Swifties to go wine shopping.
A review of the Domaine de Terres Blanches Sancerre is featured along with two other regional styles of sauvignon blanc. An expressive red blend from the Rhône and an exceptional old-vine chenin blanc from South Africa are also highlighted.
Bellingham The Bernard Series Old-Vine Chenin Blanc 2024 (South Africa), $29.99
Rating: 92
The current release of Bellingham’s old-vine chenin continues to impress with its concentrated and attractive character. The style highlights a silky texture and juicy core of citrus and tropical fruit with spice and earthy notes. Bright acidity helps to maintain freshness and focus, which will help this satisfying white mature gracefully. This has 13.5 per cent ABV. Drink now to 2031. Available at the above price in Saskatchewan, various prices in British Columbia (private stores), $36.99 in New Brunswick.
Domaine de Terres Blanches Sancerre 2023 (France), $41.95
Rating: 92
Terres Blanches’ introductory label offers a convincing expression of Sancerre with bold sauvignon blanc charm on the nose. Expect zesty citrus flavours with some fennel and chalky notes as part of its ripe and energetic personality. Its crisp and refreshing style reflects the purity and precision that are hallmarks of the region. This has 12.5 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available at the above price in Ontario, Feb. 7 release at LCBO Vintages outlets, $49.29 in British Columbia (Everything Wine).
Ogier Côtes du Ventoux 2023 (France), $15.55
Rating: 88
This grenache and syrah blend from the southern Rhône presents a classic savoury and fruity character. Spice and licorice notes contribute charm to a straightforward bistro-style red wine. A solid pizza, pasta and burger option. This has 14.5 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2027. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta.
Spy Valley E Block Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (New Zealand), $21.95
Rating: 90
A more potent take on sauvignon blanc, Spy Valley E Block leans into the tropical fruit spectrum as part of its intense and concentrated character. This is recognizably New Zealand on the nose and palate, and offers good value considering the wine is produced from a specific block of vines, Johnson Vineyard E Block, planted in 1995 in the Waihopai Valley. This has 12.5 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available in Ontario.
Volcanes de Chile Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (Chile), $14.95
Rating: 88
Another solid value sauvignon blanc from Leyda, this shows nicely balanced herbal and fruity character. Herbal and grassy notes add lift to the nose, while the flavours focus on citrus, pear and melon fruit with some earthy accents and zesty grapefruit on the lingering finish. This has 13 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2027. Available in Ontario.
