The Allure of Loire Valley Wine

I’m mesmerized with wines from the Loire Valley. Why? Years ago, I tasted my first Sauvignon Blanc in this breathtaking region. Instantly, this wine became my favorite and remains so even now.

The first time I traveled to France, I spent the summer with a family in Paris as part of an exchange program.  College students were sent by our town’s local civic organization to immerse themselves in the culture, language, and everything else that this beautiful country has to offer. As for me, the love of wine began.

A few weeks were spent in Paris itself, discovering freshly baked croissants, steak frites, and authentic French pastries, visiting the awe-inspiring Louvre, shopping at famous fashion houses, or seeing a French film (without English subtitles). Lunchtime was special; my command of the French language improved, as each glass of wine, always red, was poured.

I was treated to trips outside of the city: Normandy, Honfleur, Breteuil, and more. But my favorite excursion was only a few hours from Paris, to the Loire Valley, known for its storybook chateaux, a stunning, lush landscape, cuisine, and elegant, refreshing wine. It is here that Parisians of long ago, and I dare say even now, escaped to their country homes or enjoyed a weekend getaway, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I was thrilled to do just that.

 

There was something that, at the time, I couldn’t describe about that magical place or the wines I tasted, although I knew that each was special. Was it the excitement of traveling to a new region in France? Was it the fairytale setting? Could sitting at a café with new friends by my side and a captivating glass of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, or Cabernet Franc in my hand have played a role?  Now, when someone asks me “what is your favorite wine or wine region?”, I respond.

“My first Sauvignon Blanc was from the Loire Valley where I fell in love with the wine and the region.  The variety of wines produced is astounding, all are truly affordable, and each pairs with dishes I love.” 

Interested? Read on…

The Diversity of the Loire Valley

The Loire is France’s longest river, more than 620 miles.  Beginning south of the Massif Central in the southeast of France, the river turns west near Orleans, crosses several notable cities such as Blois, Tours, and Angers, then reaches the Atlantic Ocean near Nantes, off the coast of Brittany. The Loire Valley wine region, the country’s largest white wine district, was the first producer of French AOC white wines.

Because of its length, there are considerable differences in climate and soils between the sub-regions.  Pays Nantais is located on the Atlantic coast of Brittany and has been producing wine since Roman times. You’ll find a maritime climate and soils of volcanic and metamorphic rock. Melon de Bourgogne and Muscadet are produced. Anjou produces many of the Loire Valley’s sweet wines as well as beautiful, dry Chenin Blanc, red Anjou, and rose. A mild continental climate with some maritime influences along with slate and sandstone schist soils support the growth of these varietals.

Further inland is Saumur. With its temperate maritime climate and signature tuffeau limestone soil, Saumur is the Loire Valley’s largest producer of sparkling wines. Touraine, also known as the “Garden of France”, is where I enjoyed the first of many glasses of Sauvignon Blanc and visited stunning chateaux. An oceanic and continental climate and tuffeau limestone contribute to the minerality and freshness of the wines.

Finally, the Centre-Loire, where grapes have been cultivated for over 2000 years, is located in the geographical middle of France. A continental climate coupled with limestone, flint, and sandstone soils are elements that give their Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Gamay their distinctive profile.

 

Refreshing Wines of the Loire Valley

Thanks to such a diversity of climate and terroir, an array of brilliant, exhilarating wines is found, with only a small amount of red wines produced. Wines that can be crisp and dry or rich and full of aromas are produced from Melon de Bourgogne, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc. Sweet wines are produced from the expressive Chenin Blanc. Elegant sparkling wines are produced from Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Now, the Loire Valley is France’s largest white and sparkling wine producer, its second highest producer of rose, and the third largest region under vines.

Food Friendly, Budget Friendly

Although only a small amount of red wines is produced, you’ll be able to find those that are full bodied (Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec) to light bodied (Gamay and Pinot Noir) to pair with your meats and cheeses. Medium bodied Chenin Blanc and the lighter wines, Sauvignon Blanc and Melon de Bourgogne, help make spicy food, seafood, cheeses and your favorite roasted chicken taste like a touch of the Loire Valley. Of course a classic rose of Cabernet Franc, Grolleau, or Pinot Noir will take a crisp salad or smoked meats to another level. Don’t forget the dessert wines of Chenin Blanc…sushi and cupcakes, please!

Recently, I was invited to taste a selection of classic white wines, from dry to sparkling, paired with lunch crafted by Chef Andrew Zimmerman at Sepia in Chicago. Arthur Hon, Sommelier at Sepia, guided our small group of media and press through the wines and menu, noting elements of each. I was thrilled to explore; as the last sip was enjoyed, I contemplated a return visit to the Loire Valley.

Bubbles were poured! Langlois Chateau, NV ($17), a Cremant de Loire, with a rich mouthfeel and notes of light herbs, citrus, and toast, was a delectable pairing with our first course: potato-spring onion soup with fresh hearts of palm and zhoug crisps. The second course, spinach pasta a la chitarra, smoked whitefish, and yuzu kosho butter, was complemented with a pour of Domaine du Haut Bourg, 2014 ($12) Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu Sur Lie. Floral aromas and lip smacking acidity with a touch of anise on the finish of this Melon de Bourgogne were a delightful match to the whitefish and pasta.

The Ora king salmon, asparagus, charred scallion relish, our next course, was paired with a Sauvignon Blanc, Philippe Portier 2013 ($23) from Quincy, my favorite wine at the luncheon. Complex and flavorful with a depth I wasn’t expecting, this is a wine to discover. A exquisite surprise was the sausage bread pudding with apple, horseradish, and clothbound cheddar. The Domaine Guiberteau 2014 ($20) a Chenin Blanc from Saumur, was pure, light, and mineral-driven. Each bite of the pudding and sip of the Saumur Blanc was memorable.

Finally, dessert was served. Although I’m not one to crave sugar (can you believe it?), I couldn’t resist the pear ginger rum tart with gingersnaps, crème fraiche ice cream, and maple pear coulis. You wouldn’t be able to deny yourself either, especially when the wine, Domaine du Petit Coteau, L’Etoile 2010 ($23) from Vouvray was served. This  lovely example of Chenin Blanc was crisp and sweet with notes of honey, citrus, and orange peel…and ever so satisfying.

I’m not that young college girl anymore. Since that summer, I’ve tasted wines from around the world, those that I appreciate and love. Yet, the allure of wines from the Loire Valley continues.  Each will forever hold a special place in my heart…and my glass.

Cheers~ Cindy