Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is really several different wine regions rolled into one, all joined by their position along the banks of the Loire—the longest river in France. As a whole, the Loire Valley is known primarily for crisp white wines, light red wines, rosés, and some sweet and sparkling wines. However, each distinct segment focuses on different grape varieties. Despite the river’s great length, the Loire Valley’s vineyards cover only about half as much ground as those of Bordeaux.

Given the large span of territory, the various wine regions of the Loire Valley do not have a lot in common apart from the same northerly latitude and, therefore, cool climates. The Pays Nantais, situated on low-lying terrain close to the ocean, has a chilly maritime climate. The maritime influence decreases farther from the shore, and the middle section of the Loire gets more sunshine than the coastal areas. Humidity remains high from the sea air coming up the river, which provides ideal conditions for the botrytis development that is important in the sweet wine appellations. The Upper Loire is far enough inland to have a continental climate, moderated slightly by the continuation of the sea breezes up the valley.

The key white grape varieties of the Loire include Melon de Bourgogne, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Romorantin. The key red grape varieties include Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Grolleau, Pinot d’Aunis, and Côt.