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