Sancerre, Taylor Swift, and French wine labels 😵‍💫

I think I missed the window to say Happy New Year, but I hope you said good riddance to 2025 with some very good wine.

So far, 2026 has been…something.

January has somehow been both long and short. I’m already behind on my own deadlines, and so much chaos has happened in just two weeks.

Outside of the nonstop breaking news alerts, my son (read: cat) had to be hospitalized at the emergency vet. He’s home and happily drugged now, but the amount I cried leaving him in a cage surrounded by beeping machines and other sad little patients was deeply concerning. I don’t know how you parents (of humans) do it!

I’m also in the midst of studying for a big wine exam in Chicago at the end of the month. The passing rate is 50%, and they recommend at least 3+ months of prep. Naturally, I gave myself 1 🫠

In between writing and working, I’m attempting to memorize things like:

And yes, I’m also drinking wine.

Shoutout to my friends here in Kansas City who have been tasting with me as I practice the art of writing an exam-ready tasting note!
(Thank you Women in Wine KC + Wine Schooled KC ladies 🙏🏼)

The point is: we’re not even done with Month One, and my brain is already fried.

Luckily, a wine hero emerged to inspire my first topic of 2026:
Taylor Swift. Naturally.

I admit I am not a Swifty (Swiftie?). She’s clearly a fantastic businesswoman and I don’t hate her music, I just don’t care.

But when she dropped her new 6-part docuseries, viewers apparently spotted a glimpse of a bottle of Domaine de Terres Blanches Sancerre in the background of a scene. And just like that, the wine sold out. Google searches for “Sancerre” increased.

Swiftonomics strikes again!

So…what is Sancerre?

Short answer: Sauvignon blanc
Longer answer: Sauvignon blanc from the Sancerre region in the Loire Valley of France

But…you won’t see “sauvignon blanc” on the label!
No, that would make it too easy.

Instead, French wines are usually labeled by region, not by grape varietal. 

Other examples include:

Honestly, it’s annoying.
(And especially annoying as I study 30+ pages on French wine. Mon dieu!).

Because the grape varietal isn’t on the label, you as the consumer are expected to just…know. It’s another reason why the wine world can feel so inaccessible (and frankly, snooty).

But there is a reason for this.

Much of Europe (aka “Old World”) follows strict wine production and labelling laws that go beyond health regulations. They're meant to protect quality and consistency.

For example, a wine labeled as “Barolo” must be:

This level of specificity creates a consistency both in quality and in flavor.

If you like one Barolo, odds are you’ll like most Barolos.
Same goes for Chablis, Sancerre, or a Côtes de Provence rosé.

On the other hand, the more lawless “New World" (basically any wine-producing country outside of Europe) has more variation.

That California chardonnay you’re eyeing could be citrusy and crisp, or a total butter bomb. A pinot noir could be earthy and rustic, or fruit jam. The only way to tell is by looking at the tasting notes on the label (or asking Google).

The solution here, obviously, is to study a wine textbook and memorize all the various regulations and corresponding tasting notes!

Or, read the newsletter of someone who’s already doing that 😌

So here is your quick French wine cheat sheet.
This is certainly not an extensive list, but a great starting point:

If you haven’t tried a region before, try doing a side-by-side taste test with the same grape from a different region.

For example:

You might be surprised at the differences and similarities you find!

So much sip is happening. 

If you’re already overwhelmed, you’re not alone!
And if you’ve already abandoned any New Year’s resolutions? Also very much not alone.

Sometimes, we just need to celebrate getting through two weeks of January by plopping on the couch, popping a bottle, and watching The Great British Baking Show. 

Instead of productivity-hacking my way into the new year, I decided to take a less rigid approach over the holidays. I spent some time reflecting, doodling, and day dreaming, and put the exercises I found most helpful (and fun) into a free little workbook for you!

❤️ Download your 10-Day Guide to Uncorking 2026 here
It’s got 25+ pages of journaling + doodling prompts (no art skills required), plus some wine pairings to go along with each section. 

I’m headed back to the textbooks now (pray for me), but stay tuned next week for more on my next NYC event on February 11!

Also — I’m finally taking a very belated honeymoon in wintery Switzerland (!!).
Please send your best food, wine, and winter recs my way. Cheese is a love language 🫕

Until then:
Stay warm, sip something good, and don’t let the French win.

Cheers,

P.S.  If you loved this, share it with a friend who’s also already behind on their New Year’s goals. Misery loves company with good wine.