Wines of the Loire Valley

The subtle yet very demanding culture that surrounds the art of wine production here, is grounded in a landscape that offers very little in the way of favours to the vintners.

Yet their success can be measured in the number of fine wines they produce, wines from Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray, Saumur & Touraine. The area is also second only to Champagne in the production of sparkling wines.

Wine production here helps perpetuate a lifestyle that the region is happy to share with its tourists as well as trying to encourage a more global 'brand'.

A free map and guide are available from 'InterLoire' (the official wine body for the region) to the vineyards of the Loire Valley - available to download in English here: map and guide
This does not include some famous appellations which are very close to the river Loire such as Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé and Quincy – these are all classified as “Vins du Centre” but it does cover the Loire Valley from the Atlantic to Orleans. Included are 68 separate appellations with more than 7,000 wine producers.

Wine sites to check out:

jimsloire.blogspot.com/ Great blog on the Loire Valley and its wines.

http://www.richardkelley.co.uk/ Guide to Loire Valley wines

vins-centre-loire.com/ Wine events in and around Sancerre

thewinedoctor.com : 'An independent view'

thewinedetective.co.uk

Video:

Wine Events

Foire aux Vins to SANCERRE (18)

In May:

A real panorama of Sancerre, this event gives you an opportunity to taste wines from all the producers in the appellation. Two days of tasting, choosing and learning about the mysterious alchemy of terroirs making up this unique wine area. Buy a 'tasting glass' and try some of the 400 wines at your disposal!

Late in August:

The Sancerre winegrowers are open, welcoming professionals - they invite you to discover the production of more than 40 winemakers from all over France. Val de Loire, Cotes du Rhone, Champagne, and other wines are on offer for your pleasure. Conviviality and discovery are the watchwords of these two days in Sancerre.

Back to top.

http://www.experienceloire.com/