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).
It most certainly originates from the Anjou region and is registered in the official catalogue of wine grape varieties on the A1 list. It can also be found in South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Chile, the United States (California), New Zealand, etc. It is said to be a descendant of Savagnin and to have sauvignonasse as its second parent (Jean-Michel Boursiquot 2019). On the other hand, Chenin blanc is the half-brother of verdelho and sauvignon blanc and is the father of colombard.
wines from the region of Val de Loire go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, pork or game (deer, venison) such as recipes of provencal stew, wild boar stew or rabbit with goat cheese and mint.
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