Kingdom of lively, dry whites and fine sparklers. Mineral, taut Sauvignon Blanc (Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé) with citrus and gunflint notes. Multiform Chenin Blanc (Vouvray, Savennières, Layon): straight dry, floral off-dry or noble sweet honey-quince. Saline, iodised Muscadet (Melon B.
). Fine, crunchy Cabernet Franc reds (Chinon, Bourgueil) on raspberry and ripe pepper. Elegant Crémants. ~70,000 ha, oceanic climate over 800 km.
Wines for fine dining.
Light, spicy reds with a clear ruby robe, fine tannins and fresh acidity, with characteristic aromas of black pepper, red fruit (raspberry, redcurrant), spice and herbal notes. Airy, refreshing palate with a signature peppery finish. Also made as very expressive, taut rosés. Star of Coteaux du Vendômois AOC, present in Anjou, Touraine and Coteaux du Loir AOC. Autochthonous Loire Valley variety, present since the 12th century (favourite wine of Henry Plantagenet).
red wines from the region of Loire Valley go well with generally quite well with dishes of veal, game (deer, venison) or poultry such as recipes of veal shank with mushrooms, quick duck breast with honey or chicken blanquette.
