Magnificent chateaux are not the only thing the Loire Valley is famous for. In fact, the Loire Valley is also a renowned wine region.
The fertile banks of the Loire River are prime ground for vineyards and are the home of the Muscadet region near the city of Nantes. Muscadet expands to the Atlantic coast and through to Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, just southeast of Orléans. The best-known wine regions in the area include Anjou, Saumur, Bourgueil, Chinon, and Vouvray.
Loire Valley wine has a long history dating back to the 1st century. It is said that the wines of the Loire Valley were the most esteemed wines in England and France throughout the High Middle Ages – more prized than those from Bordeaux.
The majority of Loire Valley wine production is derived from white grapes such as the Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Melon de Beourgogne grapes. Red wines are also produced in the Loire, primarily from the Cabernet franc grapes grown in the vineyards of Chinon.
In addition to still wines, sparkling, dessert and rosé wines are also prominent in Loire Valley wine regions. Among these different wine styles, Loire Valley wine tends to exhibit characteristics of fruitiness with fresh, crisp flavours – especially when young. With Crémant production prominent throughout the Loire, it is the second largest sparkling producer in France after Champagne.