Located about 200 kilometres south of Paris and 20 kilometres northeast of Bourges is the Menetou-Salon appellation. Since 1959, it has been acknowledged as an “Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée.” Despite being small (550 hectares), it is nevertheless a vibrant wine appellation because of the efforts of both its current and former wine growers. Menetou-Salon’s producers rely heavily on the single variety of grapes grown there—Pinot Noir for red and rosé wines and Sauvignon Blanc for whites—as well as the uniform argilo-calcareous soil. The combination of grape and soil produces wines with exquisite terroir, faithful to their original provenance.
Outside of northern France, modern wine enthusiasts have frequently disregarded the Loire, with the exception of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. This could be because grapes at this northerly viticultural limit had difficulties ripening; this condition continued until the impact of global warming became apparent, leading to wines with unusually high acidity.
Long, hot summers were rare in the past, which produced red wines that didn’t always have the desired high density, alcohol content, tannin content, and overt oak ageing. However, riper Cabernet Franc varietals are currently being produced due to climate change and better vineyard management.
The area, though relatively small, is surprising and dynamic. The ocean retreated to the levels of the Cretaceous period (145–65 million BC) at the end of the Jurassic era (150–200 million years ago) and then even further. The ammonite and shell-cluster fossils, combined with the limestone sediment and clay deposits, create the soil in which the vines are rooted, providing evidence of this ancient past that is still discernible today. The two most popular single grape varietals are Sauvignon Blanc (white wine) and Pinot Noir (red and rosé wines).
Most white people preserve their fruit in bottles as soon as possible, avoiding contact with fresh wood. Still, barrel-fermented, dry Chenin Blanc is becoming more and more well-liked. It is interesting to note that, although the best oak in France can be found in the forests of Nevers, Allier, and Tronçais, oak is not widely used in these areas. Before the fermented juice of grapes can resist the effects of an oak barrel, the grapes must be fully ripe.
The region’s relative obscurity is also influenced by the intricate wine names and identities. A single appellation, such as Saumur or Anjou, can cover a variety of wines with all three hues and an almost infinite variety of grape types and sweet degrees.
The region’s relative obscurity is also influenced by the intricate wine names and identities. A single appellation, such as Saumur or Anjou, can cover a variety of wines with all three hues and an almost infinite variety of grape types and sweet degrees.
The longest river in France, the Loire, winds through charming châteaux and the former hunting ground of the French court, which is now frequented by wealthy Parisians. The wine districts along the Loire are roughly divided into three zones: the expansive vineyards in between, producing a variety of still reds, whites, and rosés from Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, and Sauvignon Blanc, among other grapes, and the expansive vineyards of the Upper Loire, which are dominated by Sauvignon. The Muscadet region at the mouth of the river is another zone.
Upper Loire:
The river separates the region’s most famous ambassadors, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, from one another. Sancerre is known for its light red and rosé Pinot Noir wines, and Pouilly-sur-Loire is known for its lighter Chasselas. François Cotat, Lucien Crochet, Gitton, Joseph Mellot, Henry Pellé, Vincent Pinard, and Vacheron are a few well-known producers.
To the west of Sancerre, the wines of Reuilly, Quincy, and Menetou-Salon are similar in style, sometimes with more attractive craftsmanship. Claude Lafond, Jean-Michel Sorbe, and Pierre Clément are among the producers who frequently provide better value than Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.
The vineyard is actually much older than 1959, even though the official Menetou-Salon appellation covering its red, white, and rosé wines was created in 1959. Vine records from the years 1063, 1097, and 1100 confirm the existence of vines during that time. The financier of Charles VII and the king’s mistress, Agnès Sorel, Jacques Coeur, had a preference for wines made in Menetou-Salon in the fifteenth century.
My Favourite producers include Gitton, Alphonse Mellot, Henry Pellé, Vincent Pinard, Château de Tracy, Domaine Vacheron, Gérard Boulay, Henri Bourgeois, François Cotat, Lucien Crochet,Domaine Jouan, La Tour Saint Martin, Domaine Henry Pelle, Kevin et Karine Lauverjat and Domaine Didier Dagueneau.
Middle Loire:
The central Loire has more complex wine geography. A variety of wines are produced in the Anjou region, which is near Angers. These include Rosé d’Anjou, Cabernet d’Anjou, Anjou Blanc, Anjou Rouge, and Anjou-Gamay. The Middle Loire is a great place for Chenin Blanc, which peaks in sweet wines like Coteaux de l’Aubance and Coteaux du Layon. Chenin Blanc from savennières is dry and white. Saumur is renowned for its bubbly and for Saumur-Champigny, the stylish red wine of the Loire region made primarily from Cabernet Franc.
Saumur-Champigny is the recipe followed by the most well-known red wines of the Loire, Chinon, Bourgueil, and St-Nicolas de Bourgueil. With its whites, reds, and rosés made from different grape varietals, Touraine, which is around Tours, contributes to the confusion.
Distinguished wines with a broad range of styles, from dry to sweet, such as Vouvray and Montlouis, both made from Chenin Blanc.
My Favourite producers include Christian Papin at Domaine de Haute Perche, Claude Papin at Château Pierre-Bise, Vincent Ogereau, Pascal Cailleau, Château de Chamboureau, Philippe Delesvaux, Domaine des Forges, Domaine de Bablut, and Domaine des Baumard.
Muscadet:
The Melon de Bourgogne grape is the principal source of this light, neutral wine in the Muscadet region at the mouth of the Loire, which is influenced by its oceanic surroundings. The most popular variety, Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine, gains character from lees ageing. In this area, the tart white variety is called Gros Plant.
Favourite producers include Le Fief Guerin, Domaine de l’Écu, Pierre Luneau-Papin, the Vignerons du Pallet, and Guilbaud Frères.
Loire Fringes: Fief-Vendéens moves upstream, producing light white wines that have a Muscadet-like flavour. Anjou-Saumur is bordered by Coteaux d’Ancenis and Vins du Thouarsais. South of Touraine, Haut-Poitou produces quality modern wines. Fine dry Jasnières are produced by Coteaux du Loir from Chenin Blanc. Gien, Orléans, and Coteaux du Vendômois add to the variety of Loire wines.
Gamay predominates in Chateaumeillant and St-Pourçain-sur-Sioule in the Loire bend, producing wines with a high acidity and light body.
