The Loire River valley is a massively varied viticultural region in northwestern France. Its climate varies from the continental one of its eastern edge to the balmier Pays Nantais, which is warmed by the Gulf Stream. Unlike some other regions, which are dominated by cooperatives, this one is composed mostly of small family farms.
Melon de Bourgogne, the grape of Muscadet, is the main variety planted in the western Loire. These are brisk wines traditionally paired with oysters. The central Loire is the home of subtle and ageworthy reds made from Cabernet Franc and of Chenin Blanc, which makes some of the greatest sweet and dry white wines in the world. The eastern Loire contains Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume, both made from Sauvignon Blanc (though red and rose Sancerre is made from Pinot Noir). That, however, is just the beginning. The Loire is the most diverse region in all France.
The Loire is known as the “garden of France” for its bucolic beauty and agricultural variety. Its wines are loved locally, and it is the viticultural region that traditionally supplies Paris. However, the wines are not well-known in the United States, and continue to represent outstanding value.
– Description from
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