Sancerre Wine Leaves Lasting Impression of Minerality

Wife's tasting notes on a $13 glass of Sancerre spark discussion on the concept of minerality in wine.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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While working in downtown Los Angeles, the author receives a text from his wife describing her experience drinking a glass of Domaine Bois Saint Denis Sancerre at a farmers market. She notes the wine's minerality, a common tasting note that is often debated among wine enthusiasts. The author reflects on his own experiences with minerality in wines from regions like Edna Valley and Santa Margarita, and a wine writer's perspective that minerality may actually be related to a wine's acidity.

Why it matters

The concept of minerality in wine is a topic of ongoing discussion and debate among wine drinkers and experts. Understanding what contributes to this flavor profile, and how it relates to other wine characteristics like acidity, can help wine enthusiasts better appreciate and describe the wines they enjoy.

The details

The author's wife texts him about enjoying a glass of Sancerre wine, noting its "limestone-y flavor" and "minerality". The author has also experienced similar "chalkiness" in wines from Edna Valley and Santa Margarita. A wine writer suggests that minerality may actually be related to a wine's acidity, which helps it pair well with food. The author concludes that if "minerality" is the most memorable impression of a wine, it's likely due to the wine's high acidity.

  • On February 15, 2026, the author received the text from his wife about the Sancerre wine.

The players

Randy Fuller

The author of the article, who reflects on his wife's experience drinking a glass of Sancerre wine.

The author's wife

Enjoyed a glass of Domaine Bois Saint Denis Sancerre wine at a farmers market, and noted the wine's minerality in her tasting notes.

Wine writer

Suggests that the concept of minerality in wine may actually be related to a wine's acidity, which helps it pair well with food.

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What they’re saying

“I am drinking Domaine Bois Saint Denis Sancerre. My namesake. $13 glass of Sancerre.”

— The author's wife (Text message)

“soil is limestone with clay overlay. You can taste it.”

— The author's wife (Text message)

“One wine writer thinks we may be talking about acidity when we talk about minerals, and that makes sense.”

— Randy Fuller, Author (nowandzin.com)

The takeaway

The concept of minerality in wine is a subjective and often debated topic among wine enthusiasts. However, understanding that this flavor profile may be related to a wine's acidity can help drinkers better appreciate and describe the wines they enjoy.