With its 68 AOC, the Loire valley is a source of some of the greatest white wines. Ignored for a while, the prices have been quite low and remain very reasonable and the production have increased the quality of the wines.  Divided in 4 main regions, the wide region of Loire is the longest in France, extending on 800km and offering a tremendous diversity of terroirs. But the wines still have a common characteristic: an impressive and enjoyable acidity. Producing white wines as a majority, the Loire valley also produces quite good red wines. The grapes for the white are mainly the “melon de Bourgogne”, the sauvignon blanc and chenin while the red grapes are the cabernet franc, the pinot noir and the gamay. The region is currently called the “garden of France” due to the incredible biodiversity. And the vines are great representative of this nickname. A significant impulse by new wine-makers is making biodynamic wines more and more famous.

The Anjou region is not only representing the Anjou appellation. As a famous partner, Saumur is playing a very good role. These appellations are synonym of Chenin blanc, here called Pineau de Loire. Before known worldwide for its sweet wines, the region produces incredible dry wines for a while now. It can last for a long time in your cellar. The Coteaux-du-Layon with Quarts-de-Chaume and Bournezaux are a great example of what can age well in your cellar. Savennières, an appellation located at the north of the Loire river, is oriented to the south, which gives very good dry white wines. And this can last in cellar too.

The Anjou AOC (appellation with controlled origin) is historically the finest appellation of the region for its sweet wines. But now, it also produces some gems in terms of dry white wines. The cabernet franc is dominating the valley for the reds and rosé and Anjou produces great wines in the region. The Saumur AOC is reputed for its 3 types of wine. With a consequent acidity, the players of the region understood that it could be worked as the Champagne. And tasty wines are emerging from these players. Ageing in the tuffeau lime stone cellars, you can find high quality wines.

This is the littlest region of the four. It is separated in 8 appellations. The most known is Sancerre. The terroirs give some of the best expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. The Pinot Noir in some places gives wines which compete some good wines from Burgundy for equivalent price barely. Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé (do not confuse with Pouilly-Fuissé from Burgundy) share the same soils characteristics. But Sancerre has a little bit more diversity in terms of terroirs. Some good wine-makers are producing top Sancerre which can last for a long time but most of the wines from the appellation must be drunk only 2 years after their production. By the way, the village of Chavignol, reputed for its goat cheeses! To know a little bit more about wine and cheese pairing, come and read our article about it! Some other famous AOC are located in this region such as Reuilly, Quincy, Menetou-Salon and you will find some precious Pinot Noir!