B&G Sancerre Les Silices

B&G Sancerre Les Silices is a 750ml Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc from Barton & Guestier, one of France's oldest négociants, typically bottled at approximately 12.5% ABV. The 2018 vintage earned 90 points from critic Wilfred Wong, and the wine's name directly references the siliceous flint soils—silex in French—that give this Sancerre its pronounced mineral signature.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~12.5%  |  Origin: Sancerre AOC, Loire Valley, France  |  100% Sauvignon Blanc  |  Producer: Barton & Guestier (est. 1725)

Production & Heritage

Barton & Guestier, founded in 1725 by Irishman Thomas Barton, is among the oldest wine négociants in France. Les Silices draws its fruit from vineyards planted in the flint-rich silex soils that surround the hilltop village of Sancerre—terrain known for producing particularly aromatic and age-worthy expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. These siliceous soils retain heat during the day and release it slowly overnight, encouraging full phenolic ripeness while preserving the electric acidity the appellation is prized for.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright pineapple and pink grapefruit, followed by subtle dried herb and earthy mineral undertones. A flinty, almost gunpowder-like quality emerges as the wine breathes, reflecting its silex origins.

Taste: The entry is crisp and citrus-forward, giving way to a surprisingly full mid-palate with layers of dried apple, white stone fruit, and chalky minerality. Acidity is well-integrated rather than sharp, creating a balanced and textured mouthfeel that carries more weight than many entry-level Sancerres.

Finish: Medium-length with a lively, refreshing tail that circles back to mineral and grapefruit pith. A persistent saline quality lingers, inviting the next sip.

How to Drink Les Silices

Serve chilled to around 8–10°C (46–50°F) to let the mineral complexity shine without muting the aromatics. This Sancerre is expressive enough to drink on its own as an apéritif but structured enough for food pairing. In a French 75, its citrus-mineral backbone adds sophistication beyond a standard sparkling wine base. A Spritz built with Les Silices, a splash of elderflower liqueur, and soda water makes an elegant warm-weather serve. It also works beautifully in a Hugo Cocktail, where its herbal undertones complement the mint and elderflower.

Best For

• Hosting a summer dinner party with seafood or salads
• Gifting a wine lover who appreciates classic French appellations
• Introducing someone to the Sancerre style without a steep entry price
• Pairing alongside a cheese course featuring fresh chèvre

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Les Silices taste like? B&G Sancerre Les Silices delivers bright grapefruit, pineapple, and dried apple flavors layered over a flinty mineral core. It is well-balanced with crisp acidity and a lively, refreshing finish.

How does Les Silices compare to Pouilly-Fumé? Both appellations sit on opposite banks of the Loire and share Sauvignon Blanc as their sole grape, but Pouilly-Fumé typically leans smokier and more restrained, while Sancerre—especially from silex soils—tends to show more upfront fruit and pronounced flinty minerality. Les Silices sits firmly in the aromatic, mineral-driven Sancerre style.

Is Les Silices good for sipping on its own? Yes, its balance of ripe fruit and bracing acidity makes it an excellent standalone apéritif. Serving it lightly chilled brings out its aromatic complexity without overwhelming the palate.

Where is Les Silices made? The grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Sancerre AOC, located in the eastern Loire Valley of central France. Barton & Guestier, the négociant behind the wine, is historically based in Bordeaux and has operated since 1725.

What foods pair well with Les Silices? Fresh goat cheese (Crottin de Chavignol, a Sancerre classic) matches the wine's acidity beautifully. Grilled white fish and shellfish—particularly oysters or seared scallops—complement its mineral profile. Asparagus risotto works well with the herbal undertones, and a simple arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette echoes its bright, zesty character.

What sizes does Les Silices come in? B&G Sancerre Les Silices is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Les Silices worth the price? Les Silices positions as an accessible, well-made Sancerre from a respected and historic négociant. For drinkers seeking genuine appellation character and silex-driven minerality without paying for a single-vineyard estate bottling, it represents solid value within the category.

Why Les Silices?

What separates this wine from generic Loire Sauvignon Blanc is its soil story. The "Les Silices" designation is not a marketing flourish—it identifies fruit grown in the flint-laden terroir that produces Sancerre's most aromatic and mineral-driven wines. Backed by Barton & Guestier's nearly three centuries of winemaking experience and a 90-point score from Wilfred Wong for the 2018 vintage, it delivers real appellation character. For anyone building a French wine collection or simply looking for a dependable Sancerre that over-delivers on minerality, Les Silices earns its place on the table.