Top 100 wines of Val de Loire - Page 2

Discover the top 100 best wines of Val de Loire of Val de Loire as well as the best winemakers in the region. Explore the varietals of the wines that are popular of Val de Loire and the best vintages to taste in this region.

Discovering the wine region of Val de Loire

Val de Loire is a regional PGI title, covering wines produced in an area that roughly corresponds to the Val de Loire wine region in northern France. The PGI catchment area covers 14 departments and is one of the largest in France in terms of area. The Terroir is extremely varied throughout the Loire Valley region. Wines produced under the PGI title have as much style as the AOC appellations of the Loire.

Loire Valley PGI wines have a familiar range of Grape varieties to draw from - the classic Loire varieties of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Melon de Bourgogne are often used, as are Gamay and Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are also present in the vineyards, but in smaller quantities. The majority of wines produced under the PGI are made from a single grape variety. The geographical area of the PGI follows the Loire River for about 550 kilometers (350 miles).

Discover the grape variety: Pineau d'Aunis

The wines produced in the Vendôme region are of excellent quality thanks to an exceptional grape variety: pineau d'aunis. For example, the red wines of the region, with their aromas of ripe red fruit and sweet spices, are a blend of Pineau d'Aunis, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. The Vendôme hillsides are less than 200 km southwest of Paris. Pineau d'Aunis, a vigorous black grape variety, was first cultivated in the 9th century. It is characterized by a late budburst. Moreover, its foliage partially reddens in autumn. Although it is difficult to grow, Pineau d'Aunis is a high-yielding grape variety, producing between 40 and 80 hectolitres per hectare. It produces a wine with low alcohol content, supple, light-coloured and very aromatic. The "Pineau d'Aunis" grape variety is used as a single variety for the production of Coteaux du Vendômois. On the other hand, it is used in blends for Anjou, Rosé d'Anjou, Crémant de vallée de la Loire, Rosé de vallée de la Loire, Saumur, Saumur Champigny, Coteaux du Loir and Touraine. Finally, it is an accessory grape variety for Valençay.

Food and wine pairing with a wine of Val de Loire

wines from the region of Val de Loire go well with generally quite well with dishes of rich fish (salmon, tuna etc), shellfish or vegetarian such as recipes of gratin of ravioli with salmon, rice with seafood or quiche with leeks and fresh salmon from flo.

Organoleptic analysis of wine of Val de Loire

On the nose in the region of Val de Loire often reveals types of flavors of cherry, lime or earthy and sometimes also flavors of grapefruit, honeysuckle or oaky. In the mouth in the region of Val de Loire is a with a nice freshness.

News from the vineyard of Val de Loire

Tributes paid to Paul Pender

Canada’s wine community is mourning the sudden loss of beloved Ontario winemaker Paul Pender. Passing away at the age of just 54, Pender died ‘unexpectedly under tragic circumstances’ on 4 February, 2022, as announced by sister wineries Tawse and Redstone.    Before becoming director of viticulture and winemaking at Tawse and Redstone, he was a carpenter. When he developed an allergy to the dust and solvents, he went back to school to study winemaking at Niagara College in 2004. Pender’s interns ...

The Morey Saint Denis appellation investigated through its geology and geography

The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) invites you to enjoy this video in which Jean-Pierre Renard, Expert Instructor at the Ecole des Vins de Bourgogne, explains the topographical and geological characteristics of the Morey-Saint-Denis appellation. The vineyard lies on an intensely fractured area. Several characteristic zones can be distinguished, we can say that each Climat has its own personality. This video is taken from the “Rendez-vous avec les vins de Bourgogne” program broadcasted in April 2021 ...

Plans to rebuild after wildfire damages rare vines in Crete

Growers in the village of Melambes in Crete saw devastating wildfires cause ‘complete damage to 300 acres (121.4 hectares) of old pre-phylloxera vines’ in July, according to an online crowdfunding page created to support viticulture in the area and help those affected. Although fire burned 90% of the vineyard, it’s hoped some damaged vines can be rescued, said winemaker Iliana Malihin, of her namesake winery and who has spearheaded a community project to revive the site in recent years. Ye ...