Loire
Loire is a major wine region of France, stretching along the Loire River and its tributaries. It is notable for the diversity of its wines, ranging from crisp whites and elegant reds to sweet and sparkling styles.[1]
Historical Background
Viticulture in the Loire dates back to Roman times, but it was during the Middle Ages that monasteries developed structured vineyards across the valley.[2] From the 15th century, the region became a supplier of wines to northern Europe, with Dutch and English merchants playing a crucial role in shaping its export markets.[3]
Geography and Subregions
The Loire Valley follows the course of the Loire River, the longest river in France, running over 1,000 km from the Massif Central to the Atlantic. Wine production is typically divided into four zones:
- Pays Nantais – near the Atlantic coast, dominated by Muscadet made from Melon de Bourgogne.
- Anjou-Saumur – home to a range of styles, from sweet Chenin Blanc to sparkling Crémant de Loire.
- Touraine – centred around Vouvray, Chinon, and Bourgueil, producing Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and diverse rosés.
- Upper Loire – the source of Sauvignon Blanc wines, notably Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.[4]
Key Grape Varieties
The valley is particularly associated with four main grapes:
- Melon de Bourgogne – for light, mineral whites in the Pays Nantais.
- Chenin Blanc– versatile, producing dry, off-dry, sparkling, and sweet wines across Anjou and Touraine.[5]
- Sauvignon Blanc – central to the Upper Loire’s Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.
- Cabernet Franc – producing red wines of varied style, from structured Chinon to lighter Saumur.
Wine Styles
The Loire produces one of the widest ranges of wines in France. Dry and sweet whites dominate in Chenin-growing areas, while Sauvignon Blanc defines the Upper Loire. Rosés are significant in Anjou, including Rosé d’Anjou. Sparkling wines, particularly Crémant de Loire, form an important category. Sweet wines from appellations such as Coteaux du Layon and Quarts de Chaume rely on botrytis cinerea to achieve concentration.[6]
Appellations and Regulation
The Loire Valley has more than 50 appellations under the French Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) system. Among the most prominent are Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine, Anjou, Saumur, Vouvray, Chinon, Bourgueil, Sancerre, and Pouilly-Fumé. Regulation defines permitted grape varieties, yields, and ageing requirements, reflecting the diversity of terroirs within the valley.[7]
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Stevenson, The Wines of the Loire Valley, Faber & Faber, 1982.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Balint, Tokaj – A Guide to the Wines of Hungary, Ambeli Press, 2014.
- ↑ InterLoire, “Vins de Loire”, vinsdeloire.fr.