Loire wines

Your guide to Loire

History of wines from Loire

The history of wines in the Loire Valley dates back to the Roman era, when vines were first introduced to the region around 2000 years ago. The Romans planted vineyards in the Nantes region, and their fame spread quickly, with Pliny the Elder mentioning vineyards on the Loire's banks in the 1st century. However, it wasn't until the 5th century that winegrowing in the Loire Valley truly began to take off, with the first mentions of vineyards in Sancerre and Touraine appearing in 582 by Bishop Grégoire de Tours.

Monastic life significantly contributed to the development of vineyards from the 9th to the 12th centuries. The monks not only grew vines but also knew how to make the best use of the region's channels of communication, including the Sèvre and Maine rivers and Goulaine marshlands. The influence of the Augustine and Benedictine monks helped extend vineyards along the Loire River from the Fiefs Vendéens to Saint-Pourçain in Auvergne.

The growth of winemaking in the Loire Valley was also driven by the enthusiasm of French kings and nobility. Henry II Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, allowed only Anjou wines to be served at court, a custom continued by his successors. This royal support, along with the introduction of new grape varieties like Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc, contributed to the region's wine production and popularity, which continued to rise through the centuries.

Terroir of Loire

The terroir of Loire wines is characterized by a diverse range of microclimates and soil types. The region's varied topography, including flint, marl, chalk, and limestone soils, contributes to the unique characteristics of its wines. The Loire Valley's long stretch of land along the Loire River and its tributaries supports a wide array of grape varieties, from Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc to Cabernet Franc and Gamay. This terroir diversity allows for the production of wines with distinct minerality, acidity, and flavor profiles.

The specific terroirs within the Loire Valley contribute to the distinctiveness of its wines. For example, the tuffeau limestone in Anjou-Saumur adds a saline touch to Muscadet wines, while the flint and marl soils in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé impart a pronounced minerality to Sauvignon Blanc. The region's semi-oceanic climate in Anjou-Saumur and Haut-Poitou, combined with the tuffeau limestone, creates a semi-continental climate in the Centre Loire, where Sauvignon Blanc reaches its apogee with bracing acidity and bright aromatics. This terroir complexity results in a wide spectrum of flavors and styles in Loire wines.

Top grapes in Loire

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a versatile white grape variety that is highly esteemed in the Loire Valley, particularly in regions like Vouvray and Anjou. It is known for its ability to produce a range of wines from dry to sweet, including sparkling wines. The grape's high acidity makes it suitable for aging, and when matured, it develops rich flavors of honey, quince, and almonds. Chenin Blanc's adaptability to different soil types and climates contributes to its distinct expression in Loire, where it often reflects the terroir's minerality, adding a unique complexity to its profile.

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is a key red grape variety in the Loire Valley, thriving particularly in appellations like Chinon and Bourgueil. It is appreciated for its floral and herbaceous qualities, often displaying notes of tobacco, raspberry, and bell pepper. The cooler climate of the Loire allows Cabernet Franc to mature slowly, preserving its aromatic freshness and producing wines with moderate alcohol levels and vibrant acidity. These characteristics make it an excellent partner to the region's diverse cuisine. Loire Cabernet Francs are typically lighter and more aromatic than those from warmer regions, offering a distinct, elegant style that is highly valued.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire Valley is best exemplified by the wines of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, where it achieves a crisp, elegant expression. This grape variety is renowned for its vibrant acidity and distinctive aroma profile, featuring notes of green apple, gooseberry, and flint. The mineral-rich soils of the Loire contribute to the grape's unique flinty character, often referred to as 'pierre à fusil'. Sauvignon Blanc from this region is typically fermented in stainless steel to preserve its fresh, zesty qualities, making it a favorite among those who appreciate wines with purity and a strong sense of place.