Wines of the Loire Valley

Wines of the Loire Valley

The Loire wine region spans from the Atlantic coast near the city of Nantes along the Loire River to just southeast of Orleans in North/Central France. There is actually 87 little sub appellations in the Loire. Its winemaking history dates back the 1st century and these were the most esteemed wines in France during the high middle ages. The Loire is pretty far north, almost on the boundary of where grapes can be grown; but the river provides a few extra degrees; making pretty ideal conditions for some of these cool climate varietals.

Regions within the Loire Valley; coordinating grapes and characteristics:

Sancerre and Pouilly Fume-
White- Sauvignon Blanc mainly (If you see wine labeled Pouilly-sur-Loire the grape is probably chasselas) Sauvignon Blanc in Sancerre is probably the most recognized wine of the Loire region. Traditionally Sancerre has a little more racy acid; grapefruity flavors while Pouilly Fume is a bit more full bodied and rich in texture. The two areas are on opposite sides of the Loire River about 16 km apart. Limestone soil interspersed with silex flint give these Sauvignon Blanc’s a unique flavor profile.
Red- Only white wine is produced in Pouilly Fume but Sancerre produces white, red and rose. Pinot Noir is the grape used in Sancerre Rouge. These are usually pretty light pinots with characteristics similar to Burgundian Pinot Noir.

Chinon- Cabernet Franc! Some of the most distinct and famous Cabernet Franc regions of the world! The wines raspberry hues are accented by good fresh red fruit flavors and dominated by a distinct touch of graphite. The wines of Bourgueil are Cabernet Franc as well but tend to be a touch bigger; firmer tannins. Traditionally served chilled?

Muscadet- Melon de Bourgogne? This is the westernmost region of the Loire, buts up to the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Loire. Melon de Bourgogne has no relation to the Muscat grape. These wines are a great pair with shellfish, arguably one of the best shellfish regions of the world. The wines are light and fresh and tend to be bottled sur lie: Straight from the tank, no fining or filtering. This gives them a bit of a fuller body and really accentuates the freshness. Yum.

Vouvray/Touraine- Chenin Blanc, S.B., Gamay... little Chard, little Pinot, little Malbec. This is probably the most diverse region within the Loire. Vouvray is definitely the most recognizable and is made exclusively Chenin Blanc. The range from sweet to bone dry and should be labeled as such on the bottle. Touraine is primarily known for gamay (red) and Sauvignon Blanc.

Saumur- Sparkling wine? Located around the town of Angers, the Saumur region is known for their rose’s made primarily from Cabernet Franc and Anjou Blanc made from primarily Chenin Blanc. Believe it or not Saumur, the Loire Valley, is the third largest sparkling wine producing region in France. Most of the sparking wine is made from Chenin Blanc, rather than Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir.

If you are thinking of getting of the beaten path with your French wine selections, the Loire Valley offers multiple options to fit any palate. Enjoy.

Nico, Buyer, West Vail Liquor Mart

Thanksgiving Wines Make the Meal

West Vail Liquor Mart's Thanksgiving wine suggestions to complement your special dinner.

Pinot Noir: A traditional favorite and pairs nicely with most flavors.
- Migration $39.99
- La Crema $24.99
- Van Duzer $17.99
- Pinot Project $14.99
- Mark West $11.99

Syrah/Shiraz: This red easily pairs with the flavors of the holiday meal and adds intensity and peppery notes.
- Landmark $29.99
- Molly Dooker $25.99
- Milbrandt Syrah $14.99
- Woop Woop $13.99

Zinfandel: A heartier red with deeper flavors that works well with turkey and side dishes.
- Seghesio Sonoma Zin $22.99
- Cline Ancient Vines $15.99
- Gnarly Head Old Vine $12.99

Pinot Grigio: A light, crisp white wine known for its delicate flavors. It works well with the heavy, buttery flavors.
- Elk Cove $18.99
- Santa Margherita $25.99
- Van Duzer $13.99

Chardonnay: A perennial favorite with many meals. Can be crisp and acidic or buttery and creamy.
- Kistler $74.99
- Chalk Hill $44.99
- Ferrari Carano $24.99
- Simi $17.99
- Milbrandt $12.99

Riesling: This wine can be moderately sweet or bone dry. Great with any dish that has a little spice.
- Donnhoff Estate $19.99
- Dr. Loosen $14.99
- Kung Fu Girl $14.99
- Milbrandt $12.99

Gewurztraminer: A white wine that can be dry or sweet. It pairs nicely with flavorful side dishes and also desserts.
- Weinbach $27.99
- Trimbach $24.99
- Chateau St. Michelle $11.99

Champagne & Sparkling: A bubbly sparkling wine that works well as a starter or with dessert. Pairs easily with most foods.
- Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut $54.99
- Nicolas Feuillatte Brut $39.99
- Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noir or Brut $19.99
- Domaine Ste. Michelle $14.99

Dessert wines: A special offering after a big meal or in place of dessert. Also a nice gift for the chef.
- Loosen Erdener Auslese $35.99
- Dr. Loosen Beerenauslese 187ml $24.99
- Mad Cuvee 500ml $24.99

Visit West Vail Liquor Mart at www.westvail.com or 970-476-2675 or 2151 N. Frontage Road, Vail CO