Loire Wine, so named for the Loire Valley wine region in France from which it comes, actually includes a wide range and variety of wines. The Loire Valley is the area around the Loire River and is made up of three sections, aptly named the Upper Loire, Middle Loire, and Lower Loire. Each of these sections has its own unique characteristics, but all Loire Valley wines share in common their freshness and ability to pair well with foods. Follow me to the Loire and sip in some of what is claimed to be the number one region for wines ordered at restaurants in France.
From Anjou Blanc to Vouvray, the Loire white wines are good for satisfying thirst due to their fruitiness and refreshing acidity. One of the most popular varieties at the moment is the Chenin Blanc. Rosés, which typically have that in their title, can also include St. Nicolas de Bourgueil and Cabernet d’Anjou; Rosés are full of flavor but refreshing, and are a good transition for lovers of White Zinfandel. Red wines of the Loire are similar to other regions in that they can be light or full-bodied. The lighter reds can be chilled for a warm-weather event, whereas the fuller bodied are excellent for autumn. Sparkling wines of the Loire are trademarked as Fines Bulles, or Fine Bubbles, and like other sparkling wines are great for celebrations and holidays. It is said that the Loire Valley produces some of the best sweet wines around, but the Loire also claims varietals that produce wine in every possible style.
The Loire River, which used to be the ancient boundary between north and south, creates arguably the best set of conditions to produce a wide variety of fresh, food-friendly wines for all occasions.
