Loire Valley

Overview

Following the meandering path of the longest river in France, the Loire Valley represents an incredible mosaic of terroirs and wine styles. Often referred to as the "Garden of France," the region's historic landscapes are studded with magnificent Renaissance châteaux and sprawling vineyards.

Stretching from the Atlantic coast deep into the geographical center of France, the climate shifts from maritime in the Pays Nantais to strongly continental in the Central Vineyards. This geographical diversity is reflected in four main sub-regions: the Pays Nantais at the ocean, Anjou-Saumur, Touraine, and the Central Vineyards.

What unifies the wines of the Loire is their hallmark freshness. Whether it is a racy, saline Muscadet, a profound, long-lived Chenin Blanc from Savennières, or a crunchy, herbaceous Cabernet Franc from Chinon, Loire wines are celebrated for their vibrant acidity, moderate alcohol, and remarkable pure fruit expressions.

Key Varietals

• Sauvignon BlancThe star of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, offering energetic, flinty, and citrus-driven white wines with distinctive mineral depth.
• Chenin BlancSpectacularly versatile grape of Vouvray and Anjou, producing everything from bone-dry to lusciously sweet and traditional method sparkling wines.
• Cabernet FrancThe premier red grape of Chinon, Bourgueil, and Saumur-Champigny. It produces savory, structured wines with notes of raspberry, pencil shavings, and violet.
• Melon de BourgogneThe sole grape of Muscadet, creating beautifully crisp, ocean-influenced wines perfectly suited for oysters and shellfish.