The Sinemurian is a stage of the Early Jurassic Epoch. It spans the time between 196.5 ± 2 Ma and 189.6 ± 1.5 Ma (million years ago). The stage takes its name from the town of Semur-en-Brionnais, near Sancerre in the upper Loire Valley. The calcareous soil formed from the Jurassic limestone of the region is in part responsible for the character of the classic Sancerre wines. In Europe this period, together with the Hettangian, is also known as the Lower (or Blue) Lias Stage.