Loire Valley

The Loire Valley, 3rd largest vineyard in France

The Loire Valley, which is one of the largest wine regions in France, stretches from the centre to the east of France and includes many appellations, including 50 "Loire wine" appellations and denominations.
This high place of viticulture, situated around the Loire River, benefits from various climates, although generally temperate (oceanic, semi-oceanic or continental according to the geographical zones that make it up. Its soils are very heterogeneous and give the wines a wide variety of flavours. Grape varieties also contribute to this work. Loire wines are essentially varietal wines. Chardonnay, white chenin, burgundy melon and sauvignon are among the whites; cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, côte, gamay, grolleau, pineau d' Aunis and pinot noir are among the reds and rosés. The Coteaux du layon is made, for example, from white chenin just like the vouvray.

Loire wine and history

In this great historic region, the history of wine-growing in the Loire Valley followed the events that took place on its land. Initiated by the Romans, the cultivation of vines developed thanks to the religious and the possibility of trading by the river. The kings of France and the rebirth also allowed its expansion. They notably gave the Loire wine a certain reputation by building their castles in the Loire Valley and drinking it at their courtyard. Wine was the most consumed beverage during the Renaissance period. However, it was the birth of the AOCs in 1935 that allowed the quality of Loire wines to be recognised.

Loire wines, highly diversified and renowned wines

Quiet or effervescent, white, red, rosé, the Loire wines are very diversified. Its sparkling and softness are also famous, like the Coteaux du layon. The vouvray, the chinon, the muscadet, the Loire valley has many famous appellations. The aromas of Loire wines are very varied, depending on the terroirs of each appellation. Also, while the Coteaux du Layon presents food aromas of honey and fresh fruit aromas; the vouvray is distinguished by fresh, floral and spicy fruit aromas. The Loire Valley is the first AOC region for fine bubble wines, with the exception of Champagne.