France - Loire Valley

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49 products

Bistrologie Blanc 2023
Jean-Pierre Robinot

Bistrologie Blanc 2023

€41,50

Lumière de silex Blanc 2023
Jean-Pierre Robinot

Lumière de silex Blanc 2023

€47,50

Gabbrodo Magnum White 2022
De Vini

Gabbrodo Magnum White 2022

€61,00

L'enchanteresse rouge la grapperie
La Grapperie

L'Enchanteresse Red 2022

€29,90

My Sweet Navine White 2015
Les Vignes de Babass

My Sweet Navine White 2015

€77,00

Camille Rouge 2022
Jean-Pierre Robinot

Camille Rouge 2022

€178,00

Lumière des sens Blanc 2022
Jean-Pierre Robinot

Lumière des sens Blanc 2022

€47,50

Charme Blanc 2023
Jean-Pierre Robinot

Charme Blanc 2023

€47,50

Alburostre White 2023
De Vini

Alburostre White 2023

€32,75

De-Vini-Alburostre-blanc 2022
De Vini

Magnum Alburostre White 2022

€65,50

Jeannette White 2015
Damien Bureau

Jeannette White 2015

€80,00

Magnum Tonton Red 2014
Vincent Wallard

Magnum Tonton Red 2014

€89,00

The Loire Valley vineyards (not to be confused with those of the Loire department, which is part of it) are important to advocates of organic and natural wines. This region plays a leading role in the organic and natural wine movement. This is due, among other things, to the large number of small farms, the frequent choice of organic viticulture, and the persistence of artisanal viticultural methods. Although extensive, this vineyard possesses a certain homogeneity in its grape varieties: Gamay and Cabernet Franc for the red wines, Chenin Blanc (Pineau de Loire) and Sauvignon Blanc for the white wines. Other, more localized grape varieties such as Grolleau Noir, Grolleau Gris, Pineau d'Aunis, Romorantin, Melon de Bourgogne (another name for Muscadet), and Tressallier (a white grape variety from Saint-Pourçain) have made this region famous.

The Loire Valley produces almost all types of wine, except fortified wines: red wines, rosé wines, dry white wines, sparkling wines (Crémant de Loire and pétillants naturels), sweet wines and liqueur wines. It is the longest and one of the most fragmented wine-growing areas in France, comprising several distinct regions. It extends along the entire course of the Loire, from the Massif Central in the east, with a rather continental climate, to the Loire estuary in the west, with an oceanic climate. From east to west, it comprises the vineyards of the Loire Valley proper (AOC-AOP Roanne and Côtes-du-Forez), the AOC Côtes-d'Auvergne and Saint-Pourçain (historically linked to Auvergne and not to the Loire Valley), the Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, and Coteaux-du-Giennois regions, Touraine, Anjou, and finally the Pays Nantais (West Region).

In the center, the Touraine region includes famous appellations such as Bourgueil, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, Chinon, Vouvray, Jasnières, Coteaux-du-Loir, Montlouis, and Haut-Poitou. Further east are the small AOCs of Orléanais and Valençay, Quincy, Reuilly, and Sancerrois, surrounded by the AOCs of Menetou-Saon, Coteaux-du-Giennois, and Pouilly-Fumé (Pouilly-sur-Loire).

The Anjou vineyards form a vast, homogeneous area between Touraine and the Nantes region. A wide variety of wines are produced here, including dry wines such as the AOP Saumur, Saumur-Champigny, and Anjou. However, it is the magnificent sweet wines of Anjou (AOP Bonnezeaux, Quarts-de-Chaume, Coteaux-du-Layon, Coteaux-de-l'Aubance, and Savennières) that make it famous, as well as the Crémants de Saumur. Note that the region produces a rare example of a sweet rosé, Cabernet de Saumur or Cabernet d'Anjou.

The vineyards of the Nantes region are known for their dry white wines made from Melon de Bourgogne (AOC Muscadet, Muscadet-de-Sèvre-et-Maine) or Gros-Plant grapes (AOC Gros-Plant du pays nantais).
What are the wines of the Loire Valley? The wines of the Loire Valley are too numerous to list here, but here are the main AOC-AOPs, from west to east: Muscadet (from Sèvre-et-Maine, Côtes-de-Grand-Lieu, des Coteaux-de-la-Loire), Gros-Plant du pays nantais (dry whites); Savennières, Coteaux-du-Layon, Bonnezeaux, Quarts-de-Chaume (sweet and liqueur whites); Anjou, Saumur, Saumur-Champigny (mostly reds), Crémant de Saumur; Gamay from Haut-Poitou, Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil, Chinon (preferably reds), Jasnières (whites), Vouvray (dry, sweet, or sparkling whites), Montlouis (sweet whites), Touraine, Cheverny, and Cour-Cheverny (reds and whites); Orléanals, Coteaux-du-Giennois, Sancerre (reds and whites), Pouilly-Fumé, Menetou-Salon, Quincy, Reuilly (whites); Côtes-Roannaises (preferably reds), Saint-Pourçain (whites and reds).
Which Loire wine is best for an aperitif?
All dry Loire wines, sparkling or still, are recommended for an aperitif. They are particularly recommended due to their lightness and digestibility (especially Chenin and Sauvignon whites). Special mention goes to the sparkling wines (Crémant de Saumur, sparkling Anjou, sparkling Vouvray), which are perfect for this tasting experience. We can also mention, by preference, all the Muscadets from the Nantes region, the white Saumurs from the Puy-Notre-Dame AOC, and other white wines such as Jasnières, Quincy, Reuilly, Pouilly-Fumé, and Sancerre. You might be tempted by a rosé Cabernet d'Anjou (slightly sweet) if you're sure to find a good producer. Some light and fluid Anjou reds are also good for an aperitif. You can also dare to try a sweet or sweet Anjou or Vouvray wine as an aperitif; these once illustrious wines are so underrated these days.
What makes the reputation of Loire wines?
Although their great diversity can intimidate wine lovers, Loire wines are easy to access and easy to drink, and this is why they have such an excellent reputation. This diversity works in their favor when it comes to choosing a type of wine, because the Loire produces them all, from sparkling to sweet, including a multitude of dry white, red, and rosé wines. Whatever their type, they have a particular vivacity, they are lively wines that inspire joy. They are always accessible, their price is rarely high, they offer all ranges of flavors and pair with the best gastronomy: how can you not love them? They have a reputation for being joyful and tasty wines that won't threaten your bank account, and that alone makes them popular. Finally, an important quality, traditional, artisanal and organic methods are popular in the Loire Valley, as well as precious local grape varieties, rich in flavor and character — the wonderful Chenin Blanc, the Grolleau Noir with its taste of fresh black berries, and the noble Pineau d'Aunis with notes of candied plum.