What are the two regions of the Loire Valley associated with top quality Sauvignon Blanc?

The two regions of the Loire Valley renowned for producing top-quality Sauvignon Blanc are indeed Sancerre AOC and Pouilly-Fumé AOC. Both of these prestigious appellations are located in the eastern part of the Loire Valley, where the climate and terroir are ideally suited to the Sauvignon Blanc grape.

Sancerre is known for its crisp, aromatic wines that often feature pronounced notes of citrus, green apple, and flint, which reflect the region's unique soils, including limestone and clay. Pouilly-Fumé, directly across the river from Sancerre, also produces exceptional Sauvignon Blanc wines characterized by their smoky mineral qualities, which are attributed to the flinty soil (called "silex") found in the region.

The other regions listed do produce quality wines, but they are not primarily known for Sauvignon Blanc. Vouvray is predominantly associated with Chenin Blanc, while Muscadet focuses on the Melon de Bourgogne grape. Anjou and Saumur produce various styles, but Sauvignon Blanc is not the flagship variety in these areas. Lastly, Côteaux du Layon is well-known for its sweet wines made from Chenin Blanc, and Côtes de Francs is primarily noted for its red wines. This distinction reinforces