A Guide to Loire Valley Wines
Stretching 175 miles from the Atlantic coast to the heart of France, the Loire Valley reveals a vista of vineyards, châteaux, and rolling hills along its namesake river. As France's third-largest winegrowing region, it boasts a 2,000-year legacy of viticulture, a rich cultural heritage, and a breathtaking landscape that has earned it the nickname "Garden of France." Let's embark on a journey through this enchanting region, where history and terroir intertwine to produce some of the world's most diverse and elegant wines.
The Historic Journey of Loire Valley Wines
The story of Loire Valley wines begins with the Romans, who planted the first vines in the Nantais region two millennia ago.
In the Middle Ages, the region's winemaking flourished under the stewardship of Augustine and Benedictine monks, who cultivated vines as well as knowledge and laid the foundation for the Loire's winemaking traditions. The river facilitated the transportation of their wines, and vines were planted on both banks.
The Loire's wines gained prominence in 1154 when Henry II Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, ascended to the English throne. The wines of Anjou found themselves in the goblets of English nobility, bringing international fame to the region’s wines. Meanwhile, French royalty, drawn to the region's hunting grounds, developed a taste for these local vintages.
However, the 18th and 19th centuries brought a series of challenges that threatened the Loire's wine industry. Harsh weather, political upheaval during the French Revolution, the Wars of the Vendée, and the catastrophic phylloxera epidemic all took their toll, leaving many vineyards in ruins.
Yet, the Loire Valley wine industry rebounded with remarkable resilience. The dawn of the 20th century saw the establishment of local and regional appellations, providing a framework for quality and authenticity. Today, Loire Valley winemakers are focused on crafting wines that showcase the diverse terroirs of this expansive region.
Nantais: Where the Loire Meets the Atlantic
The vineyards around Nantes benefit from the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean. This oceanic impact reduces seasonal temperature variations, resulting in mild falls and winters, while summers are typically warm and humid. The maritime climate brings substantial rainfall throughout the year, accompanied by some blustery winds, especially in the fall.
The vines are planted on the Massif Armoricain, a geologic formation that spans a large area in the northwest of France. Composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks, such as schist and granite, the Massif Armoricain offers excellent drainage, helping the vines thrive in the region’s wet climate.
The primary grape variety grown in the Pays Nantais is Melon de Bourgogne, a grape originally from Burgundy that was introduced in the 17th century. This variety is key in the production of Muscadet wines, including Muscadet-Coteaux-de-la-Loire, Muscadet-Sèvre-et-Maine, and Muscadet Côtes-de-Grandlieu.
The terroir of the Pays Nantais typically produces wines that are refreshing, aromatic, and characterized by high minerality and a light body.
Anjou-Saumur: The Heart of the Loire’s Diverse Terroirs
The vineyards of Anjou-Saumur are located around the towns of Angers and Saumur. As the region moves inland, the oceanic climate becomes more temperate. The Anjou vineyards enjoy mild winters and hot, sun-filled summers. In contrast, the Saumur vineyards, shielded from oceanic influences by a range of hills, experience hot summers and slightly cooler winters.
The soil composition in Anjou is predominantly schist and sandstone, often referred to as "Anjou Noir" due to its dark color in the western part of the region. Moving east towards Saumur, the soil transitions to Tuffeau limestone, which is characteristic of this area.
The primary white grape variety in the region is Chenin Blanc, also known as Pineau de Loire. Native to the Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc is the region's iconic variety, used to produce both dry and sweet wines, as well as sparkling wines. Some of the finest Chenin Blanc in the world comes from Savennières. Chenin Blanc is also essential in the production of the sparkling Crémant de Loire. Exceptional sweet wines are crafted in appellations such as Bonnezeaux, Quarts de Chaume, Côteaux de L’Aubance, and Côteaux du Layon.
The main red variety is Cabernet Franc, also called Breton. Thought to originate from the Basque Country, Cabernet Franc thrives in cooler regions and is well-suited to the climate of the Loire Valley. Alongside Grolleau, it is used to produce Rosé de Loire and Saumur Rosé. Cabernet Franc is also blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to create Cabernet d’Anjou, another style of rosé. Additionally, it is used in producing dry red wines under the Anjou Rouge, Anjou Village, and Saumur-Champigny appellations, as well as sparkling wines in the Crémant de Loire appellation.
Touraine: The Loire Valley’s Heartland
The Touraine vineyards are centered around the city of Tours, where the climate is a mix of oceanic and continental influences.
The soil here primarily consists of limestone, with areas of sand and gravel interspersed throughout.
Chenin Blanc is the predominant grape variety, widely planted across the region. The dry white wines of Vouvray are known for their refreshing and elegant character, with aromas of apple and quince that develop into notes of honeysuckle as they age. Sauvignon Blanc is also prominent in the region and is featured in some of the Touraine appellations.
Cabernet Franc is the leading red variety in Touraine, playing a key role in the Touraine, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, and Chinon appellations. The region also has smaller plantings of Gamay, Grolleau, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir.
Centre Loire’s Signature Sauvignon Blanc
The Centre Loire vineyards are best known for being the home of the renowned Sancerre. Located in the heart of France, the region experiences a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers.
The soil in this area is primarily chalky limestone, with variations depending on the specific location. Locally known as "Terres blanches" (white earth), some soils consist of calcareous clay mixed with Kimmeridgian limestone. Other areas feature "Caillottes" soils, which are composed of Oxfordian limestone dating back to the Jurassic period and have a stony texture. These unique soil types contribute to the distinct minerality found in the local wines.
Sauvignon Blanc is the dominant grape variety planted in the Centre Loire, with increasing plantings of Pinot Noir. While Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are the most famous appellations, high-quality wines are also produced in other appellations like Menetou-Salon.
The Loire Valley, with its diverse subregions and centuries-old winemaking traditions, offers an unparalleled journey through the heart of French viticulture. From the crisp, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blancs of Sancerre to the elegant Chenin Blancs of Vouvray, the region’s wines reflect the unique terroirs and climates that define each area. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a curious traveler, the Loire Valley invites you to explore its picturesque landscapes, historic châteaux, and exceptional wines. Explore the region on our Loire Valley Private Departure or contact us to discuss a custom itinerary.
