French Wine Regions/Loire Valley

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French wine is a riddle that requires patience and some basic understanding of geography to begin to get a handle on. Currently trending with a wide variety of consumers, one might wonder if its popularity is due to it being an ancient wine-growing region steeped in tradition. Or is it the unpronounceable names and higher prices that have made them so popular? Perhaps it is a little of both =)

I’ll take it slow with one region at a time to try and explain what’s going on there, but there’s no way can I fully cover this huge subject in a blog so feel free to hit me with questions while in the store. Jane has found some amazing bottles at very reasonable prices and we’re excited to share them with you.

One of the first things to understand is that many European wines are named after the region or nearby town that the grapes were grown in. For example, Alsace and Burgundy are each regions of the country. These 17 wine-growing regions are similar to our 50 states. If we named bottles like that here the label might simply read “Michigan” or “Rockford.” Many times the grapes that are grown in that particular region are listed on the back label. In other instances you’re just supposed to know what grapes are traditionally in a red bottle of Burgundy (Pinot Noir).

Many of the largest French producers buy their grapes from farmers scattered around the region. Sometimes they’ve worked with these producers for several generations of growers. If the winery grows their own grapes, the bottle is labeled either:

  • Mis en Bouteille au Château

  • Mis en Bouteille a la Propriete

  • Mis en Bouteille au Domaine

Generally this is an indicator of a better bottle of wine

The first region we’ll cover here is the Loire Valley. This big wine growing region surrounds the Loire River as in meanders across the middle of France. The primary white grapes here are either Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc.

The “county” inside the Loire Valley named Vouvray continuously bottles Chenin Blanc. The Champalou Winery bottle it using sustainable farming practice, and the Champalou family are masters of Loire Chenin Blanc. This off-dry wine, aged in stainless steel, represents their flagship cuvée. Gentle and refreshing on the palate, it boasts a delightful balance of stony minerality with luscious, almost honeyed fruit and flowery notes, making for easy pairing with all sorts of summer dishes.

The Sancerre sub-region is most famous for its Sauvignon Blanc. Comte LaFond Sancerre is an amazing example of Sauvignon Blanc. Expect flavors of green apple and tart pear with herbal and floral undertones that stand well against its sometimes slightly flinty and smoky minerality.

Sancerre also grows a few acres of Pinot Noir. Gitton Peres “les Heres” is from a single vineyard planted in 1965. A perfect, lighter summer red with fresh raspberries and violets and a crunchy texture. For your grilled burgers with sharp cheddar melted over grilled onions.

Cheers,
Eric