Part II · Terroir

Loire Valley

[LWAHR val-ee]

Extraordinary diversity — from minerally Muscadet to electric Sancerre and luscious Coteaux du Layon.

The Region

The Loire Valley — France's longest river — spans a remarkable range of styles, from the minerally Muscadet at the Atlantic to the electric Sauvignon Blanc of Sancerre and the luscious sweet Chenin of Coteaux du Layon. It is the garden of France, producing food-friendly, high-acid wines across four major sub-regions.

History

The Loire's vineyards were cultivated by Romans and medieval monasteries along the châteaux-lined river. The AOC system formalized its diversity in the 1930s, preserving its emphasis on single-varietal, terroir-driven whites and lighter reds.