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<p>Browse classic French regions and appellation guides, from Bordeaux and Burgundy to the Loire Valley and the Rhone.</p>

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Browse classic French regions and appellation guides, from Bordeaux and Burgundy to the Loire Valley and the Rhone.

<p>Loire Valley red and white wine guides.</p>

View our Loire Valley guides

Sancerre, found on the left bank of the Loire River in central Loire Valley, offers benchmark Sauvignon Blanc: pungent,
intense and refreshing. Yet the Sauvignon Blanc grape is seldom mentioned on the front label. Pourquoi? In <a href="https://jeroboams.co.uk/buy-wine/-/country/France/">French wine</a> production, more complex traditions prevail – wines are generally marketed according to their origin. The consumer is buying into a unique set of circumstances; encompassing soil, climate and winemaking philosophy. This has helped Sancerre to stay relevant, despite rising competition from New World white wine.

Indeed, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand has become a very persuasive household name in the UK. This has not escaped the attention of Sancerre's winegrowers, who once held a virtual monopoly on the style. However, few critics would deny that vines planted at high densities in Sancerre produce exquisitely fresh and aromatic wines, imbued with a minerality not commonly seen elsewhere. The <a href="https://jeroboams.co.uk/buy-wine/-/colour/White/country/France/region/Loire/">Loire Valley</a> is also a region full of surprises: high-quality rosé and red wines are made from Pinot Noir in the appellation.

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    <ul>
        <li><strong><a href="#ql1"> Geography and terroir </a></strong></li>
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    <ul>
        <li><strong><a href="#ql2"> Sancerre white wine production </a></strong></li>
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    <ul>
        <li><strong><a href="#ql3"> Sancerre tasting notes </a></strong></li>
    </ul>
    
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<h2 id="ql1">Geography and terroir </h2>


White Sancerre is one of France's most iconic labels. The appellation is situated in central France, in the eastern Loire Valley sub-region. Vineyards surround the eponymous town, a tranquil destination that possesses a timeless quality. Growers cultivate approximately 2800 hectares of vines, overwhelmingly planted to Sauvignon Blanc. It is a glorious place to visit, particularly with a glass of white wine in hand.

However, white grapes are a relatively new arrival in Sancerre. In the 19th century, vineyards were dominated by <a href="https://jeroboams.co.uk/buy-wine/-/colour/Red/country/France/region/Loire/">red varieties</a>, mainly Gamay and Pinot Noir. Unfortunately, the poisonous phylloxera louse arrived in Europe from the US in the late 1800s, devastating vineyards across France. Sauvignon Blanc proved to be more receptive to anti-insect bioengineering than red varieties, hence its widespread proliferation in the 20th century.

Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir thrive in the varied terroir of Sancerre, located on the west bank of the Loire river. The climate is continental, with cold winters, frosty spring times and warm (but rarely hot) summers. This encourages a balanced pace of ripening, yielding concentrated berries of highly aromatic fruit. Under the appellation rules, 14 villages have the right to produce Sancerre, including Chavignol (famous for its goat’s cheese), Menetreol, and Saint Satur. 

There are three distinct soil types found in the zone: caillottes (pure limestone layered with gravel), terres blanches (clay-limestone) and flint (silex). Metamorphic terroir can be found in both Sancerre and its immediate neighbour, Pouilly-Fumé, on the opposite bank of the Loire River. Winegrowers will say that the silex is responsible for the quintessential Sancerre aroma of gunflint. Meanwhile, chalky terroir often yields the most expressive and aromatic styles, particularly if the limestone is overlaid with gravel. 







<h2 id="ql2">Sancerre white wine production </h2>

Winemaking in Sancerre has changed a great deal over the past 20 years. It was once rustic and generally unsophisticated: white grapes were subject to a hard press, after which, the grape skins are immediately removed; the juice was not properly clarified, with minimal temperature control of fermentation. The result was a steely (if refreshing) wine, occasionally lacking fruit.

But the modern paradigm has rejected this rusticity. Growers want fruit and freshness, achieved via chilling the must (referred to as “cold settling”) and fermentation in stainless steel tanks, undertaken at precisely controlled temperatures. Moreover, white wine is often filtered and stabilised before bottling. What emerges is a vibrant style of Sauvignon Blanc, with signature notes of gooseberry and gunflint that bestowed from the region's chalky, metamorphic terroir. 

To add structure and weight, certain cuvées are aged in French oak. The best examples are magnificent, with a silky texture and layers of complexity on the mid-palate. The length of maturation and quality of the wood is key –  young wine may find their flavours subdued by the oak, spoiling the style. Thankfully, top producers always get the balance right.

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<h2 id="ql3"> Sancerre tasting notes </h2>

There is an enduring tradition of pairing Sancerre with Crottin de Chavignol; this cylindrical goat’s cheese from the eponymous village has been produced for centuries. Pungent and softly textured, the marriage is one of the Loire Valley’s most rewarding gastronomic experiences, the acidity of Sauvignon Blanc slicing through the richness of the Chavignol. Yet Sancerre lends itself to a variety of culinary partnerships, especially if seafood is on the menu.

It also works fantastically well as an aperitif. All good Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc has a signature cut of acidity, with an aroma of gooseberry, gunflint, blackcurrant leaf and lime. The style is never heavy or strong, with balanced levels of alcohol. Sancerre rouge is similarly delightful, with a fragrant bouquet of crushed red berries. The palate will be soft and accessible, supported by ripe acidity. These Pinot Noir wines are ideally served with poultry and duck, particularly confit de canard.

Sancerre, both red and white, is a style for impatient oenophiles. Approachable from the get-go, most Sancerre reaches its peak within two to three years. Certain wines from the best vintages and growers have been known to age into elegant maturity, developing notes of lanolin, hazelnuts and honeysuckle after a decade in bottle. They are glorious exceptions to the rule. 

<h2>Common queries</h2>

<h3><strong><i>What's the difference between Sancerre and Sauvignon Blanc?</i></strong></h3>

Sauvignon Blanc is the grape variety that is used in Sancerre white wine. The French have a tradition of naming wines after the region they are produced rather than the grape variety, since, growing environment vastly influences the flavour profile and mouth-feel of the final wine.

<h3><strong><i>Is Sancerre wine dry or sweet? </i></strong></h3>

Wine produced in Sancerre is iconically dry as a result of chalky, limestone and slate soils in which the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety grows.

<h3><strong><i>Why is Sancerre so popular?</i></strong></h3>

Sancerre white wine is a popular choice because of its full-bodied, yet refreshing taste with notes of gooseberry and citrus. It’s flavour profile and mouth-feel are owing to the chalk, lime and slate soils that are iconic for the region.

<h2>Related pages</h2>

<a href="https://jeroboams.co.uk/advice-centre/buyers-guide/loire-valley-white-wine-guide/"> A guide to white wines from the Loire Valley</a>

<a href="https://jeroboams.co.uk/advice-centre/buyers-guide/loire-valley-red-wine-guide/"> A guide to red wines from the Loire Valley</a>








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An insider's guide to Sancerre

Sancerre, found on the left bank of the Loire River in central Loire Valley, offers benchmark Sauvignon Blanc: pungent, intense and refreshing. Yet the Sauvignon Blanc grape is seldom mentioned on the front label. Pourquoi?

The Loire Valley and New Zealand's Marlborough wine region share one thing in common. Internationally renowned,  both vineyards are overwhelmingly associated with the fresh and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc grape.  Yet the 'Garden of France' is perhaps the most diverse wine zone in Europe, offering many different styles and price points. They range from the brilliantly refreshing Muscadet to Pinot Noir wines of Menetou-Salon. 

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    <ul>
        <li><strong><a href="#ql1"> An overview of the Loire Valley</a></strong></li>
    </ul>
    <ul>
        <li><strong><a href="#ql2"> Key grape varieties </a></strong></li>
    </ul>
    <ul>
        <li><strong><a href="#ql3">  Key sub-regions </a></strong></li>
    </ul>
    <ul>
        <li><strong><a href="#ql4">Key white wine appellations </a></strong></li>
    </ul>
    <ul>
        <li><strong><a href="#ql5"> Enjoying Loire Valley white wines </a></strong></li>
    </ul>
</div>



<h2 id="ql1">An overview of the Loire Valley</h2>

Situated in north-western France around France's longest river – The Loire river. The valley is the country's third-largest region, after Bordeaux and Burgundy. It remains a very important and sizeable producer of <a href="https://jeroboams.co.uk/buy wine/-/colour/White/country/France/region/Loire/">fine wine</a>, from sparkling Vouvray to Chenin Blanc and Saumur. The French wine zone has traditionally been divided into four key sub-regions: Lower Loire (maritime region); Middle Loire; Central Loire (flanking Burgundy); and Upper Loire. As a result, there are significant variations in climate, soil and tradition, which affects the finished wine.

There are unifying characteristics among this broad spectrum of white wines. Regardless of the appellation, they are always refreshing, aromatic, well-made and rarely expensive. Over half of the region's annual production is dedicated to white styles, often based on a single grape variety. 

<h2 id="ql2">Key grape varieties </h2>

<ul>
    <li><strong>Melon de Bourgogne:</strong> The white grape of Muscadet in the Pays Nantais is Melon de Bourgogne.
        This grape variety is a distant relative of Chardonnay. The delicately saline, acidic wine has notes of citrus
        and green apple which are its trademark.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li><strong>Chenin Blanc:</strong> Highly adaptable and versatile, the Chenin Blanc grape of the Middle Loire
        produces sweet wines, in addition to very complex and age-worthy dry whites. The grape produces aromas of honey,
        quince and stone fruit.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li><strong>Sauvignon Blanc:</strong> New Zealand's most iconic export is indigenous to the Loire Valley wine
        region, where it produces piercingly aromatic wines in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. The signature scent of
        gooseberry is universally adored by oenophiles.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li><strong>Chardonnay:</strong> Appellation rules for Loire wine do not generally permit using Chardonnay,
        However, the signature white grape of Burgundy thrives in the Loire, producing vibrant wines with good acidity
        and flavours of citrus and honeysuckle.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="ql3">Key sub-regions </h2>

<h3>Anjou</h3>

South of the city of Angers is one of the Loire Valley's most eclectic vineyards. It is famous for Rosé d’Anjou but red wine (from varieties including Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon) and high-quality white wines are also made here. Most white wine labels are based on Chenin Blanc, made into both dry and sweet wine styles. The continental climate and the drying winds, straight off the Atlantic, ensure that acidity levels remain vibrant in the grapes.

Anjou Blanc and Savennieres are the leading dry appellations, producing concentrated and structured Chenin Blanc, often matured in oak. They rival the best of Sauternes in quality, but not in price. However, it is the dry whites of Coulée de Serrant that attract the greatest hype.

<h3>Saumur</h3>

The beautiful town of Saumur is the Loire Valley's sparkling wine capital. Saumur Brut offers exceptional value; it is predominately based on Chenin Blanc (a certain percentage of Chardonnay can be included), made using the traditional method of secondary fermentation in bottle. Like Champagne, it boasts an unrivalled ability to refresh your palate. Crémant de Loire is the other major sparking appellation, with stricter rules on yield. There is a plentiful supply of bubbly of the Loire, which keeps prices very reasonable. 

<h3>Eastern Touraine</h3>

The Middle Loire is an Instagram paradise, but more importantly, the Eastern Touraine sub-region, centered on the city of Tours, is celebrated for its distinctive dry and sweet wine types. In addition to the generic Touraine designation, there are several delimited appellations, including Vouvray and Montlouis. 

Meanwhile, Vouvray stakes its reputation solely on Chenin Blanc. The gentle slopes towards the Loire River are covered with a tuffeau topsoil and porous limestone responsible for the vibrant acidity of the wine. Botrytis sweet wines from Vouvray can last for decades, becoming incredibly complex as they age in bottle. 

Montlouis, just across the Loire River from Vouvray, is one of the Loire's undiscovered appellations. The dry Chenin Blanc wines are similarly excellent, produced from grapes grown on clay-limestone soils. The pleasing minerality, inherent to the best labels, is a characteristic also found in the sparkling wines of both Vouvray and Montlouis. They compete with Anjou for the title of France's best value fizz.

<img src="https://jeroboams.co.uk/app/uploads/2022/07/lv1-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Image showing a hillside vineyard in the Upper Loire Valley. Workers are harvesting grapes for Clos de la Poussie." width="70%" height="auto" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-294060" />


<h2 id="ql4">Key white wine appellations </h2>

<h3>Muscadet</h3>

A flagship wine of the Lower Loire; only Melon de Bourgogne can be used to make the style. It is grown on a mixture of granite, schist and gneiss terroir, in a maritime climate. There are four Muscadet appellations: Cotes de Grandlieu, Coteaux de la Loire, Muscadet and Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine. It is said that the finest expressions are made in Cotes de Grandlieu, noted for their superior ripeness and mouthfeel.

Muscadet was traditionally produced relatively quickly, bottled straight from the fermentation tank, without any filtering. This process, known as sur lie, imbues the wine with a richer texture, due to the interaction between the wine and dead yeast cells. However, in recent years, growers have been ageing their cuvées for longer, experimenting with maturation in wood and amphora. 

<h3>Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre</h3>

The Loire Valley offers a distinct expression of the grape, with more obvious minerality, higher acidity and impeccable freshness. The vineyards are found at the eastern end of the Lower Loire Valley – Sancerre is located on the left bank, while Pouilly-Fumé faces directly opposite on the eastern slopes.

At first glance, the two wines are indistinguishable. Deeply aromatic and racy, with a signature scent of gunflint and gooseberry. However, the differences are attributed to their respective soils. The soils of Sancerre are rich in limestone, while the soils of Pouilly-Fumé have a high proportion of clay and silex (flint). Pouilly-Fumé is often slightly riper and more perfumed than its neighbor; Sancerre offers a fuller structure with more weight. In recent years, certain growers in both appellations have flirted with oak maturation. If handled carefully, French barrique can really enhance the texture and mouthfeel of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.

<h2 id="ql5">Enjoying Loire Valley white wines</h2>

There is a <a href="https://jeroboams.co.uk/buy-wine/-/colour/White/country/France/region/Loire/">Loire Valley white wine</a> for every occasion and budget. Muscadet quenches the thirst and stimulates the palate. Sparkling Vouvray and Saumur perform a similar role. If you seek an affordable aperitif, then look no further.

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Local tradition, however, suggests pairing Loire Valley whites with local dishes. Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are exquisite when served alongside the goat cheese Chavignol. Freshwater perch and trout sing alongside the Chenin Blanc wines of Anjou. The most decadent marriage, though, is surely tarte tatin and dessert wines from Bonnezeaux. There is nothing quite like it.


<h2>Related Pages</h2>
<a href="https://jeroboams.co.uk/advice-centre/buyers-guide/guide-to-sancerre/">An insider’s guide to Sancerre</a>
<a href="https://jeroboams.co.uk/advice-centre/buyers-guide/loire-valley-red-wine-guide/">An insider’s guide to red wine from the Loire Valley</a>





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An insider's guide to white wines from the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley and New Zealand's Marlborough wine region share one thing in common. Internationally renowned, both vineyards are overwhelmingly associated with the fresh and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc grape.

Loire Valley wine has long been associated with fresh and saline <a href="https://jeroboams.co.uk/buywine/-/colour/White/country/France/region/Loire/">whites</a>; Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc are its key viticultural exports. Yet the Loire also produces some exceptional <a href="https://jeroboams.co.uk/buy-wine/-/colour/Red/country/France/region/Loire/">red styles</a>, from Chinon to Sancerre rouge. Due to a combination of soil and cool climate, the wines are seldom alcoholic or powerful. Loire wine is well-suited to those looking for well-priced and quality wines with a balanced abv. If you seek fresh and elegant styles to pair with food, look no further.

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    </ul>
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        <li><strong><a href="#ql2"> Key red grape varieties </a></strong></li>
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    <ul>
        <li><strong><a href="#ql3"> Key sub-regions/appellations </a></strong></li>
    </ul>
    <ul>
        <li><strong><a href="#ql3">  Enjoying Loire Valley red wines </a></strong></li>
    </ul>

</div>




<h2 id="ql1">An overview </h2>

The Loire Valley wine region engulfs part of The Loire River – France’s longest river, leading to the Rhône Valley. It is arguably one of the most captivating parts of northern France, not to mention the French wine tourism that it attracts. However, the Loire Valley cannot be easily condensed. Despite the overall tendency for mild summers, there are broad variations in macroclimate, soil, and tradition, with different grape varieties being cultivated in the four key sub-regions; the Upper Loire, Centre Loire, Middle Loire, and Lower Loire - Diversity is an integral part of the viticultural tradition here. 

<h2 id="ql2">Key red grape varieties </h2>

Almost without exception, Loire <a href="https://jeroboams.co.uk/buy-wine/-/colour/Red/country/France/region/Loire/">red wine styles</a> are light to medium-bodied, fresh and invigorating. Although, the lightness of body should not be equated with a lack of intensity. The region’s red wine is dominated by the following red grape varieties.

<ul>
    <li><strong>Cabernet Franc</strong> - this variety is, in fact, an ancestor of Cabernet Sauvignon, the noble red grape of Bordeaux. Yet there are major differences: the Cabernet Franc grape ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, producing a softer wine with more perfume and acidity.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li><strong>Gamay Noir</strong> - the signature red grape of Beaujolais is also responsible for making bright and floral wines in the Loire. Once dismissed as 'lightweight', good quality Gamay is back in vogue, appreciated for its moderate alcohol and fruit-forward flavours.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li><strong>Pinot Noir</strong> - without question, Pinot Noir is difficult to grow. However, at its best, Pinot Noir is incomparable in finesse and exquisite perfume. Admittedly, wine made in the Loire Valley lack the renown of Burgundy’s top villages but the quality to price ratio is often unbeatable.</li>
</ul>

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<h2 id="ql3"> Key sub-regions/appellations </h2>

Although the Loire Valley is famous for its white wine - Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc - its abundance of exquisite reds cannot be overlooked. We can now look at the key sub-regions in the Loire from a different perspective, as to fully appreciate the red wine appellations and winemaking traditions in the region.

<h3>Anjou</h3>

The Cabernet Franc grape variety finds a natural home in the vineyards west of Saumur, located on the southern bank of the Loire River. Historically, the region was better known for its delicious still white and sparkling wine, yet Anjou Rouge should not be dismissed. The appellation permits a certain percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the wines, albeit Cabernet Franc usually accounts for at least 60% of the final blend. One rosé wine style to note is Cabernet d’Anjou, otherwise known as Rosé d’Anjou. It uses a blend of Cabernet grape varieties for a refreshing palate cleanser.

The vines in Anjou are generally cultivated on well-drained schist and slate soils while, relatively cool summers ensure that the signature red export, Anjou Rouge, is fresh and lively, with moderate alcohol and good acidity. There are also two distinct appellations for superior wines: Anjou-Villages and Anjou-Villages-Brissac. In the best vintages, wine from Brissac offer unbeatable value; Anjou Gamay is no less delicious. Beaujolais' key grape variety can produce bright and fruit-forward Loire red wines with soft tannins and low alcohol. 


<h3>Saumur</h3>

Saumur's claim to fame is tuffeau: crumbly terrain of porous, white limestone. In this region, many of the region's leading wineries specialise in sparkling wine.

However, Saumur is equally celebrated for its Cabernet Franc, particularly red wine made in the appellation of Saumur-Champigny. The cool growing conditions and tuffeau are ideal for fashioning very elegant expressions of the grape, with moderate alcohol, soft tannins, and intense perfume. The most structured wines tend to be made from vineyards planted on the tuffeau slopes on the Loire's south bank. Further inland, the terroir contains more sand and silt, yielding a softer style of Cabernet Franc. The region's most famous label, Clos Rougeard. Organically farmed, Clos Rougeard exploits low yields, new French oak and first-rate terroir to produce a Loire Valley 'First Growth'. 


<h3>Western Touraine</h3>

For many critics, the western end of the Touraine region is the undisputed heartland of fine Cabernet Franc. The vineyards are situated to the south, west, and north of Chinon. The climate on the Atlantic coast yields superlative red wines, renowned for their freshness, vigour, and an aroma of raspberry. There are three key red wine appellations in Touraine: Chinon, Bourgueil and St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil. All three share the same diversity of terroir – gravel, sand, and clay-limestone – but in varying proportions. 

It is said that St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil produces the most structured and robust Cabernet Franc, largely due to its abundance of calcareous soils. Meanwhile, Chinon, and Bourgueil tend to offer lighter wines, particularly if the vines are cultivated on sandy/gravel soils. In addition, many excellent value bottles are marketed under the auspices of the Touraine Rouge designation. Several styles are permitted under the appellation framework, including 100% Gamay wines, Malbec, and multi-varietal blends; The Loire Valley remains a truly underrated source of weekend drinking.

<h3>Sancerre Rouge/Reuilly Rouge</h3>

Although Burgundy holds the monopoly on prestige, there are several regions in Europe offering high-quality and affordable Pinot Noir.  Sancerre and Reuilly are among France's most reliable producers, located in the eastern Loire and west of the town of Bourges respectively. Both appellations market a small quantity of textbook cool climate Pinot Noir, defined by moderate alcohol, vibrant acidity, and flavours of crushed red berries.

<a href="https://jeroboams.co.uk/advice-centre/buyers-guide/guide-to-sancerre/">Read about Sancerre here </a>


<h2 id="ql4"> Enjoying Loire Valley red wines </h2>

Loire Valley <a href="https://jeroboams.co.uk/buy-wine/-/colour/Red/country/France/region/Loire/">red wines</a> truly belong at the dinner table. Food and wine matching tends to work best when every element is in balance; lower abv styles are inherently more food friendly since excessively alcoholic wines can deflect from your meal and assault your palate; both the food and wine lose their definition and complexity.

However, there are several iconic pairings; try matching charcuterie with a Saumur Rouge, or confit de canard with Bourgueil. Although there are variances in weight and structure, the vast majority of Loire red wines are not aggressively tannic. Instead, they bring a lightness and elegance to your table. Chilled Gamay works incredibly well as a summer aperitif – Sancerre Rouge can even handle the wasabi on sushi night. Regardless of the dish, there is no bound to pairing red Loire wine.

<h2>Related Pages</h2>

<a href="https://jeroboams.co.uk/advice-centre/buyers-guide/loire-valley-white-wine-guide/">An Insider’s guide to white wines from the Loire Valley</a>

<a href="https://jeroboams.co.uk/advice-centre/buyers-guide/guide-to-sancerre/">Insider’s guide to Sancerre</a>



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An insider’s guide to red wine from the Loire Valley

Loire Valley wine has long been associated with fresh and saline whites; Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc are its key viticultural exports. Yet the Loire also produces some exceptional red styles, from Chinon to Sancerre rouge.