Located along France’s longest river of the same name, the Loire Valley—aka Val de Loire—is a picturesque region known for its chateaux, royal abbeys and a rich winemaking history that stretches over 2,000 years.

Starting at the Atlantic Ocean, the region extends 174 miles east along the Loire River. Running west to east, the Loire is broken up into three major regions: the lower region of Pays Nantais; the middle region of Anjou, Saumur and Touraine; and the upper region of Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé. Naturally, with such an expansive area, winemakers see major shifts in climate depending on where they are. As a result, a Loire Valley wine’s characteristics vary depending on where it’s produced.

The region is famous for popular white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, as well as rosés. Cabernet Franc is the Loire’s signature red variety. We will taste:

DOMAINE RAFFAITIN-PLANCHON SANCERRE ‘22 — 100% Sauvignon Blanc. This small, artisan winery is run by father and son: Jean-Claude and Antoine Raffaitin. It's only about 15 hectares, which they farm sustainably according to the principles of lutte raisonée, which, roughly translated, means: “we’re organic until it’s absolutely impossible to be.” No pesticides or herbicides are used. The Raffaitins also dedicate much of their land to other crops, encouraging biodiversity. The vines are now 40 years old, which is the key to this wine’s intensity. 2022 is one of the best vintages in this central district of the Loire valley in 30 years, thanks to warm conditions and low yields. This Sancerre has notes of delicate white flowers and orange blossom aromas with a touch of exotic fruit on the palate. Crisp and fresh with a citrusy finish. Focused, ripe and mineral; very structured, rounded and lengthy. 12.5% ABV. 35/12

DOMAINE VINCENT CAREME VOUVRAY SPRING ‘20 — An important white wine appellation in the Touraine and one of the top in all of the Loire, Vouvray uniquely specializes in a wide range of styles from dry to sweet, and still to sparkling, each with its own definitive character. Vouvray is almost always 100% Chenin Blanc. Dom Careme is situated in the heart of Vouvray and is the mastermind of young and dynamic Vincent Careme. Round and ripe with quince and ginger flavors layered with lime oil on the chalky-textured palate. Structure and poise with fine-grained mineral elements on the medium-weight finish, backed by notes of salted caramel and almonds. Vibrant acidity. Certified organic. 13% ABV. 22/7.50

CHEVALERIE BOURGUEIL LES GALICHETS ‘17 — 100% Cabernet Franc. Domaine de la Chevalerie is a leading name in the Bourgueil appellation. The property lies in the commune of Restigné, directly beside Bourgueil, and has been owned by the Caslot family for 14 generations. The 38 hectares of vineyard are certified organic and biodynamic. Winemaking is as low intervention and natural as possible. This Can Franc is medium ruby color with aromas of jasmine, marionberry, melding red fruits, candy licorice, Tennessee BBQ, and sweet mesquite. Flavors of red currant, cranberry, raspberry, stew strawberry, jammy red cherry, tomato leaf, anise, cinnamon, vanilla, cedar, smoke, dried blackberry plum, earth, bell pepper, and dried herbs. Dry with medium-acidity, medium body, and soft tannins. 13% ABV. 30/10

See you Friday!