Wines of the Loire
Imagine a lush valley where fruits and vegetables have been grown for more than a thousand years, where regional wines were drunk in the courts of Louis XVI and where castles date back to the 10th Century – we give you the Loire Valley, also known as The Garden of France. Spanning 174-miles along the Loire River, the Loire Valley has an abundance of vineyards, fruit orchards and artichoke fields. You’ll slip into a gracious world of châteaux where making fine wines and preparing sumptuous meals are part of an age-old tradition. We’ve put together a few tastes and experiences for a perfect journey along the Loire Valley.
The Loire Valley vineyard is the third major French appellation wine region, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering an area of 70,000 hectares, the vineyard is divided between Nantes, Anjou, Saumurois, Touraine and Orléanais.
The Loire Valley is the largest source of white wine in France, the second-largest source of AC rosé, and the third-largest source of AC wines generally. Only Champagne produces more sparkling. But nowhere can match the Loire’s range of styles, from light, crisp Muscadets to raspberry-rich Chinons.
The Loire Valley is particularly blessed by nature, because it has a temperate climate and an impressive diversity of terroirs which have allowed the birth of very varied, fresh and balanced wines thanks to the Loire. The region produces still wines, white reds and rosés but also sparkling wines of fine bubbles. Its soil and subsoil is made up of very diverse materials: sand, chalk or tufa, clay-limestone, clay-flint, sandstone schists, granites and gravels. The white grape varieties are Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. The red grape varieties are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Gamay.
Some of the 85 appellations are well known: Chinon, Bourgueil, Pouilly-Fumé, Sancerre, Coteaux du Layon, Muscadet, Vouvray, Cheverny, Saint-Pourçain. With around ten cultivated grape varieties, the Loire Valley expresses the nuances of its rich subsoil. To preserve this diversity, two major climates, oceanic to the west and continental influence to the east, share the vineyard. This alchemy between climate, grape variety and know-how gives Loire wines finesse and elegance. This balance is reflected in the wines, whether red or white, to drink rather young, even if some have aging potential.
Your biggest challenge will be deciding which of the many wineries to visit. Some notable options include Chateau La Cassemichere in Nantes for a tour and taste of the region’s famed varietal, Muscadet. Further along in Chinon visit the Couly-Duthier winery, famous for vintages that are only served at the most prestigious tables in France. The Maison des Sancerre Museum of Wine in Sancerre is also well worth a visit and offers a highly-entertaining introduction to winemaking.
French Vineyards
Some of the finest wineries and chateaus you can visit:
* Château des Vaults :
Château des Vaults is another favourite and of the best wineries in the Loire Valley to visit. It is situated in the heart of Anjou-Saumur in Savennières, a region renowned for its high-quality Chenin Blanc. Château de Vaults is a beautiful, prestigious organic winery which is also a designated conservation area for several species of rare plants which grow on the banks of the River Loire.
A visit here is a true cultural treat – as well as wine tastings and vineyards tours, the château hosts numerous concerts, literature evenings, modern sculpture exhibitions and many other events, making it an incredibly popular destination for wine and art lovers alike. Our favourite way to enjoy Château des Vaults is to start off by exploring the beautiful biodiversity of the estate with a self-guided tour vineyard tour before indulging in a formal wine tasting of Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.
* Le Domaine des Vallettess:
Le Domaine des Vallettes is a family-owned estate which has been has passed down from father to son for eight generations! This, of course, has given the Jamet family plenty of time to perfect the art of winemaking, and brothers Antoine and François today specialise in wonderfully characterful expressions of Cabernet Franc. Look out for fresh and lively rosé wines and delicious fruity reds, all produced with enormous energy and enthusiasm! A wine tasting here is an hour or two well spent, and insightful, interesting tours of the vineyards are also available on request – it pays to call ahead!
* Château Soucherie:
Château Soucherie, located in the heart of the Anjou, earns its place as one of the best wineries in the Loire Valley for how it prides itself on producing wines which respect nature and the environment thanks to as little human intervention as possible. This is a diverse property, both in terms of soil types and the many grape varieties are grown. However, a speciality of both the region and the winery is Anjou Blanc. This is made from fully ripe Chenin Blanc grapes and fermented and aged in new oak. The resulting wine is a refreshing blend of exotic fruits and white flowers.
* Château de Minière:
Château de Minière was built in the 17th century and covers 18 hectares around the region on Bourgeuil. The vineyard is certified organic for all of its wines, which consist of sparkling, rosé and red wines made primarily from Cabernet Franc, as well as a special wine made from a parcel of old vines, or vignes centenaires. Historically, it has always been women who have taken charge of the estate, a proud tradition that today is continued by current winemaker Kathleen Van den Berghe, who is dedicated to an eco-friendly, conscientious approach.
The winery opens every day of the year between 11am and 5pm, and guests can choose from a wide range of wine experiences, including classic wine tastings, guided or self-guided tours of the vineyards, and even cycling wine tours if you are feeling athletic! There is also a lovely picnic area perfect for a little relaxation in the beautiful surroundings.
* Domaine Sauvète:
The 17 hectare estate of Domaine Sauvète sits prettily in Monthou-sur-, Cher, part of the larger Touraine appellation. The welcoming team at Domaine Sauvète are dedicated to promoting wine tourism and showing visitors their wonderful work – the winery is the result of four generations of dedication from the same family who are truly passionate about producing natural, organic wines.
The Domaine is easily accessible from Paris, with plentiful options here for visitors. Do take the chance to use your wine tasting to experience the several fascinating wine styles unique to the region, such as sparkling Crémant de Loire. Taste the full range of red, white, and sparkling; take a gourmet wine tour through the vineyard and cellars; or take in one of the many performances and themed events which run throughout the year!
* Domaine Coirier:
Domaine Coirier is the most southerly of our Loire wineries, based in the region of Vendée, between bustling Nantes and pretty La Rochelle. The winery supports sustainable practices in viticulture and winemaking, using modern technology whilst retaining respect for tradition. The grapes grown are a mixture of local and international varieties, such as Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Pop in any day between 9am and 12pm or 2:30pm to 6pm and discover the unique selection of wines at a free tasting with the winegrower himself – and don’t forget to pay a visit to the nearby creperie!
* Domaine de Rocheville:
Domaine de Rocheville – Philippe Porché created the winery 15 years ago. He is a huge wine enthusiast and helped by his wife Agnès and Jérôme Callet who is a young viticulturist. The decision to grow their vines in a sustainable and organic way sits in the centre of their philosophy. They built a state-of-the-art winery aiming to fully reveal the true personality of their two varietals: Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Today they provide high-quality wines following the standards of Organic Farming and Vinification. The domaine produces red, white, rose and sparkling wines.
If you would like to taste these amazing wines we invite you to book a visit and take a tour of the winery. The cellars, vineyards, and the terrace overlooking Parnay valley with the Loire River are definitely are must-visit for every wine lover.
* Domaine Marc Brédif - Winery:
The history of Domaine Marc Brédif dates back to 1893 when Monsieur Brédif founded the estate. The winery is located in the heart of Vouvray, in the region of the Loire Valley. Later, in 1980 Baron Patrick de Ladoucette, took over the estate and continued to grow vineyards for wine production. The cellar of Domaine Marc Brédif is among the most beautiful and largest in the appellation. Domaine Marc Brédif has some very rare wines with available vintages that date back to 1874.
Maison Brédif produces three types of wines, which are the classic Vouvray, the Marc Brédif Nectar, and another traditional white vine. The winery also produces rosé and red wines in Chinon. These include Chinon Réserve Privée, the prestigious cuvée, and Chinon Blanc.
* Domaine de la Belle Étoile:
From 23 hectares of vines, they produce nine wines—reds, whites, rosés and sparkling wines. The vineyard locations come under several appellations of the Middle Loire. These include Cabernet d’Anjou, Anjou Villages Brissac, and Côteaux de l’Aubance. The latter is an area to the south of Anjers made up of ten communities including Brissac-Quincé. All white grapes here are Chenin blanc which produce slightly sweet wines.
For red wines, they grow Cabernet Franc. For white wines, the vines are Chenin and Sauvignon blanc. The winery produces two sparkling wines, one a rosé from Cabernet Franc and Grolleau, the other is white from Chenin Blanc. An equal blend of Pineau Aunis and Gamay makes up the Tenderness Anjou Rosé. Pineau Aunis is an indigenous grape of the Loire region. Their other rosé that the winery produces is made entirely from Cabernet grapes. This is a light and fruity wine with flavors of berry and a distinctive aroma of rose petals.
* Château de Chaintres:
Château De Chaintres covers twenty hectares of beautiful land. It lies at the very heart of the Saumur Champigny appellation. The area includes the popular “Clos du Château” of outstanding size and exclusive appellation.
The vineyard is now a quiet and splendid place for producing graceful and unique Saumur Champigny. Wines are made predominately from Cabernet Franc. This grape variety is perfect for the soft oceanic climate of the Loire Valley. Low yields in the vineyard give wines a great concentration, colour, and balance. The winery produces a list of well known wines such as Chateau De Chaintres 2015 Old Organic Vine, Castle Chaintres 1989, Clos Des Oratoriens 2011, Cremant De Loire Blanc De Noir Organic, and more. Since the 2013 vintage, all wines have been certified organic by Ecocert France.
* Château de Tracy:
Château de Tracy has been a family business since the 14th century. The family purchased the vineyards in the year 1396. They planted the vineyards with Sauvignon Blanc which is a crucial element of the Domaine and the Region even today. François Stutt married Françoise de Bar in the year 1586, who brought the Tracy Family seat as her dowry. Currently, Juliette is managing Château de Tracy and ensures the quality level of production. The well-being of the vines is the main focus of the winemakers during their production.
We invite you to discover the sensational wines of the Pouilly-Fumé appellation at Château de Tracy. See the winemaker’s meticulous practices and management of healthy and tantalizing grapes. Learn about high quality wine production and green harvesting to increase concentration in the grapes. Explore the powerful and distinctive taste of wines at Château de Tracy.
Loire Wines
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