As the resident wine lover of my inner circle, I’m often asked what my favorite wine is. It’s an impossible question to answer because my tastes are always shifting and I am constantly trying new bottles that impress me. However, there are a few regions that I gravitate towards when shopping for wine or perusing the glasses available at a restaurant. One region in particular that I find myself constantly drawn to, especially in the summer for its delicious white wines, is the Loire Valley. The Loire (pronounced luh-waar) Valley, like many wine producing areas, is large, complex and composed of numerous appellations that specialize in different grapes and styles. Nevertheless, do not fret! We will be focusing on a handful of the key areas that I think will be the most useful to the everyday wine drinker looking to learn a few key points to bring the wide world of wine a bit more into focus. 

 

The Loire Valley is located in France. It snakes from the coast inland following the Loire River. There’s a variety of climates and winemaking techniques used throughout the region and some are more famous than others. For example, Sancerre is a name that many people recognize and will carry a higher price point than some of its neighbors that produce wine in a similar style. Speaking of Sancerre, I think a great grape to start with for this region is Sauvignon Blanc. Like most French winemaking regions, wines made in the Loire Valley may not mention the grape variety and instead will solely state the name of the place the wine is from. As mentioned, Sancerre, with its rolling limestone hills, is well renowned for its expression of Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are aromatic, citrusy and have a distinct minerality to them. Another region with similar accolades is Pouilly-Fumé. These two names are helpful to have in your back pocket while scanning the wine aisle. Another appellation that produces high volumes and a more affordable portfolio of Sauvingon Blanc is Touraines. There may be a variation in quality from Touraines, but I’ve had some delicious bottles from here that don’t break the bank. 

 

Next up is the lovely Vouvray. This region specializes in a grape that may not be well known to wine drinkers that are just starting to explore. It doesn’t readily appear on wine menus the way that Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc do. However, I’d argue that it’s one we should all get to know. Vouvray specializes in Chenin Blanc and makes the most delicious examples of Chenin Blanc based wines that I’ve had the pleasure of trying. Vouvray produces this grape in a variety of styles from dry to sweet to sparkling and they are all worth experimenting with. For the sake of keeping things consistent, let’s focus on the dry and still versions of wines made from this versatile grape. The cool climate in this area of the Loire Valley produces fresh, fruity and floral wines. For this region, you should make a habit of scanning the bottle to ensure you don’t pick one that is actually made in a sweet style if you intend to grab a dry bottle. Whether the wine is sweet or dry should always be indicated somewhere on the bottle. Look for “dry” or “sec” somewhere on the label. If you see “off-dry” you’ve started at the first level on the spectrum of sweetness. Vouvray is absolutely worthy of drinking at any sweetness level, but I know it can be a bummer when you uncork a bottle and find it to be something you did not expect. 

 

The last of the white wines from this region that we will cover today is Muscadet. This wine is made with the grape that goes by several names (muscadet, melon blanc, melon de bourgogne) is one that I always have stocked in the summer. It’s easy drinking, light, fresh and can be just plain gluggable. I have had bottles that are really special, but Muscadet is normally seen as an everyday, affordable and sometimes simple white wine. The best versions are from Muscadet Sevre et Maine. This region specializes in a specific technique that adds a bit of complexity to the wine. Winemakers here often age their wine on what is called “lees” or some of the yeast cells left over after fermentation. This may sound questionable, but this process adds a creamy mouthfeel and rounds out the flavors of this normally high acid wine to make it even more gluggable than it is without this step. Wines that undergo this process will have it called out on the bottle with the words “sur lie” on the label. 

 

With that, you have three key wines to look for from the Loire Valley. Don’t worry, we aren’t done just yet. I wouldn’t leave you without something for our red wine lovers. In the Loire Valley, you can uncover some of the best expressions of a grape that isn’t very common but was integral in creating one of the most popular grapes on the globe, Cabernet Sauvignon. The first part of the name comes from its parent and the most widely planted red grape in the Loire Valley, Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Franc is certainly overshadowed by its much cooler kid, but it’s still worth a try. Expect it to be quite different from Cabernet Sauvignon with a lighter body, red fruit flavors and more herbal notes. A few appellations to keep an eye out for when looking to experiment with this grape are Chinon, Saumur-Champigny and Bourgueil. 

 

Lastly, I cannot leave you without covering rosé. Rosé from the Loire Valley mainly comes from Anjou-Saumur but you will also see many from Touraine or Sancerre as well. Depending on the particular appellation, the wines can be made with a variety of grapes like Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir to name a few. Rosés originating in the Loire Valley are generally dry and priced well so they are great to experiment with if you’re looking to switch it up from the ever popular Provence rosés that most people gravitate towards when having a wine of this style from France. 

 

And there you have it. As I’m sure you can tell, I am partial to the white wines that come from here, but there is so much to explore in the diverse and well-respected Loire Valley. There’s something for everyone here with a true variety of grapes, styles and price points. From an easy drinking poolside rosé to a special occasion bottle of Sancerre, this region should be on your radar and after delving into all it has to offer, I’m sure it will be one of your favorites too.