Wine from the Loire

The Loire wine-growing region

General information about the Loire

The Loire wine-growing region stretches from the Atlantic estuary of the Loire in the west to the center of the country, including the towns of Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé. The vineyards are located along the river, but are often not directly on the banks, but rather in the hinterland. The Loire is the longest river in France, 1,012 km from source to estuary, with widespread differences in climate, soil, and tradition, as well as four or five key grape varieties. There is a familial resemblance among the wines of the Loire that makes it worth exploring as a whole, diverse and complex as they are. Loire wines are refreshing and invigorating, never heavy, and rarely expensive. Over half are white wines, most of them based on the Chenin Blanc grape.

Muscadet: the wine for seafood and fish

In the area around the city of Nantes, at the mouth of the Loire River, there's a white wine that's almost a perfect match for the cuisine of the Atlantic coast: Muscadet. It's usually inexpensive and simple, but characterized by a wonderful freshness that complements the flavors of the sea. Many wines have the word "Sur lie" on their labels, meaning "aged on the lees." The fine lees are intended to give the wines made from the rather neutral Muscadet grape (also called Melon de Bourgogne) a few more nuances and a soft structure on the palate. The Maine-et-Sèvre region east of Nantes produces the most sophisticated wines.

Anjou: Heart of Cabernet Franc

Anjou is a traditional red wine-growing region around the city of Angers and is known for its spicy, fruity, and often affordable Cabernet Franc wines. They sometimes contain smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and other varieties. Examples include the full-bodied Anjou Villages, Saumur Rouge, and Saumur Champigny. For some time now, however, Anjou has also been heavily planted with white wine, especially Chenin Blanc. Finally, Crémant de Loire is produced throughout Anjou and Touraine from the Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and other varieties.

Touraine

Touraine is a relatively large wine-growing region around the city of Tours on the Loire, where light, simple red, white, and rosé wines are produced from a wide variety of grape varieties and in numerous variations. Bourgueil and Chinon produce spicy, uncomplicated Cabernet Franc wines that are best enjoyed young. Vouvray, on the other hand, produces fruity, light white wines made from the Chenin Blanc grape. They are available in dry, medium-dry, and sweet flavors. Thanks in part to the high acidity of Chenin Blanc, the better wines are surprisingly long-lasting, the best even (almost) immortal. A number of simple Sauvignon Blanc wines are also produced, which usually can't hold a candle to their brothers and sisters from the Upper Loire.

Sancerre & Pouilly Fumé

The eastern part of the growing region produces tart, fruity white wines with aromas of gooseberries and bell peppers. These wines are named after the village of Sancerre , which sits high above the river. Because the appellation stretches across several municipalities, the soils and thus the character of the wines vary. Sancerre is made from a single varietal Sauvignon Blanc. Directly across the street from Sancerre lies the Pouilly Fumé appellation, whose wines are more powerful, higher in alcohol, and more refined at the peak. The Sauvignon Blanc grape achieves its maximum expressiveness on the limestone and siliceous soils. Many wines have a characteristic flint note thanks to the high proportion of flint (silex). The Sauvignon Blancs from this region are exemplary worldwide and the epitome of mineral wines.

FAQ about Loire wine

Which wine comes from the Loire?

The Loire region produces a variety of wines, including well-known white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Muscadet from the Nantes region, and red wines such as Cabernet Franc from Chinon and Bourgueil.

Which wine is the Loire famous for?

The Loire is known for its outstanding Sauvignon Blanc wines, particularly from the Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé appellations. Chenin Blanc wines from Vouvray and the sparkling Muscadet wines from the Nantes region are also highly regarded.

What is Crémant de Loire Brut?

Crémant de Loire Brut is a French sparkling wine produced in the Loire region using the traditional method. It is characterized by its freshness, fine perlage, and balanced acidity.

How much does Crémant de Loire Brut cost?

The cost of Crémant de Loire Brut varies depending on quality, producer, and distribution channels. In general, Crémant de Loire Brut can be an affordable alternative to Champagne.

What is Sancerre wine?

Sancerre is a dry white wine from the Loire Valley, made primarily from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. It is known for its lively acidity, mineral notes, and complex flavors.