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Loire is with its 1.012 km the longest river in France. It runs from its source at Le Mont Gerbier de Jonc in Massif Central to its mouth in the Atlantic sea not far from Nantes the 6. largest city in France. Due to the geographic distance and the differences in climate, there are quite big differences when it comes to wine. This means differences in preferrred grapes, production methods and wine styles. Though in the modern wine world context we would call all of the Loire Valley a cool climate resulting in fresh and fruity wines. So if this is what you like, you will be introduced to some of the worlds best in this category.
Along Loire we are going to meet wines of many colors: white, rosé, red but also sparkling wines even in all three colors! Though the whites are dominant due to the cool climate, never the less the changes in the world climate makes the average temperature in the Loire Valley increase resulting in better conditions for the reds.
The grapes used are easy to deal with for the reds, since Cabernet Franc is the absolute primary grape giving the world famous Chinon, Bourgueil and Saumur. We are also going to meet Gamay from Beaujolais, but we have to admit, that as Cabernet Franc peaks i Loire, Gamay peaks i Beaulolais.
On the white side we will meet many more grapes with Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc as the best known but also important grapes as Muscadet.
This document will not only deal with the wines from Loire but also with wines from all over the world made from the typial Loire grapes.
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Le Mont Gerbier de Jonc
"La source de la Loire"
The Loire River seen from Chateau de Saumur
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