- Autres régions - Loire
The Loire Valley and its renowned Appellations
When thinking of great French wines, Burgundy or Bordeaux immediately come to mind, but the Loire Valley boasts an equally remarkable vineyard, with appellations that delight lovers of Exceptional Wines.
Loire : A diverse royal vineyard
A region dear to the kings of France and Rabelais, the Loire Valley boasts the longest vineyard in France, stretching nearly 800 km! This unique situation offers a diversity of terroirs and wines with equally varied profiles.
Five specific vineyards follow the course of the river. To the east, the vineyards of Auvergne and Centre-Loire enjoy a semi-continental climate, gradually transitioning to an oceanic climate as one moves through Touraine and the vineyards of Saumurois and Anjou. Then it’s the Nantais region at the mouth of the Loire, with its mild oceanic climate.
The soils range from eruptive rocks (basalt, granite) to flint and limestone. From Touraine, they gradually become more chalky up to Saumur (Anjou Blanc) with the famous tuffeau stone, schistose near Angers (Anjou Noir), and then sandy-clay in the Nantais region. This variety of soils and climates contributes to the diversity of the Great Wines of the Loire.
In this multifaceted vineyard, about twenty grape varieties are cultivated according to the terroir. Melon de Bourgogne, Chenin, and Sauvignon dominate the whites, alongside Folle Blanche and Chardonnay. The reds are mainly composed of Cabernet Franc, Gamay, and Pinot Noir, sometimes Cabernet Sauvignon and Grolleau. They are predominantly used in single-varietal wines to produce fruity, lively, and Fine Wines.
The Great Appellations of Loire
In this vast region, there are no fewer than sixty appellations reflecting the diversity of Loire Wines. These include mainly whites, ranging from dry to sweet, equally balanced reds and rosés, and renowned sparkling wines.
In Auvergne, the AOC Saint-Pourçain is the most renowned, with reds featuring the spicy aromas typical of Gamay and mineral whites made from Tressallier, the local grape variety. The Centre-Loire offers Prestigious white Appellations (Pouilly-sur-Loire, Pouilly-Fumé, Sancerre…) and beautiful, fruity, well-structured reds.
Touraine is distinguished by remarkable appellations in both white and red: Vouvray, Bourgueil, Chinon… Further west, we find the very aromatic Saumur, Cabernet d'Anjou, or Coteaux du Layon, and in the Nantais region, straightforward wines like Muscadet and Gros Plant aged on lees, as well as the AOC Côteaux d'Ancenis.
Our favorite Loire wines
In their diversity, Loire Wines share some common traits: elegant fruit, freshness, and great liveliness; they are best enjoyed young, but some have exceptional aging potential (10 to 30 years). Special mention goes to Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, Chinon and Saumur Champigny, fruity Cabernet Francs with body that produce refined older vintages.
For whites, we are particularly fond of Vouvray, which wonderfully showcases Chenin: sparkling with citrus bouquet, still wines that are dry and taut, or sensually sweet, all in a golden robe... Finally, our absolute favorite are the whites from Centre-Loire: Pouilly-sur-Loire for the delicate white flower notes of Chasselas, and Pouilly Fumé, mineral, complex, and pure, a Sauvignon that finds its finest expression on the flinty soils of the Nièvre.
Looking for mature vintages from the Loire Valley? You will find them in our online cellar at RP Fine Wines.