LOIRE VALLEY

READING BETWEEN THE WINES:

The Loire Valley is known for its sweet and dry whites but makes its fair share of light and fruity rosés and reds too. This area probably has the most diverse number of wine styles in all of France.

THE REGION

Southwest of Paris, the Loire River drizzles across the Loire Valley where vintners cover a whole array of wine styles and varieties.

Its beautiful landscapes are home to the major appellations of Muscadet, Anjou et Saumur, Touraine, and Sancerre.

Without going into too much detail on the regions, I would like to discuss three of the Loire Valley's most notable: Sancerre, Vouvray and Muscadet.

Sancerre

Sancerre is famous for its whites which are made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. Occasionally though, it's red and made from Pinot Noir. This wine is light and dry and perfect for light seafood such as trout. For a little more body you could try its neighbor, Pouilly-Fumé.

Vouvray

Vouvray creates a delightful little number from the Chenin Blanc grape (nobody does Chenin Blanc better). They can range from dry, to medium dry, to sweet (which is called moelleux). The moelleux Vouvray only occurs when the weather cooperates for unusual ripeness. You may even run across a sparkling Vouvray during your exploration of these fine wines.

Melon de Bourgogne

The Melon de Bourgogne grape produces a very dry and light wine which many believe to be too neutral. It is sometimes referred to as Muscadet, but Muscadet is actually an appellation contrôlée. The best quality Melon de Bourgogne has the term 'sur lie' on the label. This means that the wine was allowed to age on the dead yeast cells for a while after fermentation. This imparts nice liveliness to an otherwise bland wine.

THE GRAPES

LOIRE VALLEY REDS:

Cabernet Franc

The Loire Valley uses this zippy guy in all its purity. The light and fruity of Cab Franc pales under that of the Cabernet Sauvignon, however, Franc is more aromatic and grassy.

Pinot Noir

Light and easy, this teeny grape gives cherry flavor and summer fruit smells to Sancerre rosés and reds.

LOIRE VALLEY WHITES:

Sauvignon Blanc

This grape produces a wine that will shed a little light on your experience. Its herby aromas and melon flavors make the Loire Valley’s best crisp, zesty, light whites.

Chenin Blanc

A Loire Valley superstar — Chenin Blanc doesn’t take every vineyard by storm. However, Loire winemakers nip and tuck this grape into aromatic, highly acidic dry or sweet wines that age nicely.

Various Loire Valley Producers:

References

www.terroir-france.com
www.tastings.com
www.epicurious.com
www.amisduvin.com

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