Regions > France

LOIRE

The Loire wine region, located in central France, is one of the oldest and most diverse wine regions in the country. With around 80,000 hectares of vineyards, the region is known for its geographical and climatic diversity, which results in a wide variety of wine styles. The Loire is renowned for its elaborated white wines produced from grape varieties such as Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadet. These wines are known for their vibrant acidity, notes of citrus fruits and spices, and are considered ideal for pairing with seafood and light dishes.

The region is also famous for its elaborated red wines produced from grape varieties like Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. These wines are medium-bodied with notes of red fruits and spices, and are known for their elegance and complexity. Another highlight of the region is its elaborated rosé wines produced from grape varieties like Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. These wines are known for their subtle color and notes of citrus fruits and red berries. The Loire wine region is also recognized for its production of sparkling wines made from grape varieties such as Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. These wines are known for their creaminess and elegance, and are considered ideal for special occasions.

The Loire region has a rich wine history, and many of its vineyards have been cultivated for centuries. The production of Loire wines is carefully managed and sustainable, with many winemakers in the region adopting ecological agricultural practices and preserving local biodiversity. If you are a wine enthusiast, the Loire region is definitely a must-visit destination to experience some of France's most diverse and elaborate wines.

  • Geography & Climate

    The vineyards of the Loire Valley are distinguished by the diversity of their natural environments, resulting from the wide range of soils and substrata present:
    - Pays Nantais is composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks from the Armoricain Massif, primarily gneiss, mica schist, greenstone, and granite.
    - In Anjou, the subsoil consists mainly of slate, sandstone, carboniferous shales, as well as volcanic rock, all originating from the Armoricain Massif.
    - Between Angers and Saumur, we see the transition between the older bedrock to the west and the sedimentary basin to the east.
    - In Saumurois and Touraine, the subsoil is composed of tuffeau limestone, sand, and siliceous clay from the Paris Basin. The bordering terraces of the Loire and Vienne rivers are composed of sand and pebbles, smoothed over time by water action and deposited here over the years.

    This geological diversity contributes to the presence of a wide range of different soil types, all with variable exposures. This influences both the cultivated grape varieties and the choice of agricultural practices by the growers. It also touches on the concept of terroir, which is highly important in the Loire region.
    The Loire River and its many tributaries have a significant moderating effect on the vineyards. By creating a wide variety of microclimates that promote vine growth, they all contribute to the great diversity of wines in the region. They also have a buffering effect that is crucial, especially for the production of rich and sweet wines.
    In the vineyards of Nantes, oceanic influences temper seasonal variations. Autumns and winters are mild, while summers are hot and often very humid.

    The vineyards of Anjou enjoy an oceanic climate with mild winters, hot summers, plenty of sunshine, and small temperature variations. Some of the very dry microclimates promote the growth of Mediterranean vegetation.
    In the vineyards of Saumur, the hills provide a barrier against west winds; the climate becomes semi-oceanic, and seasonal variations are more pronounced.
    The vineyards of Touraine are located at the crossroads of oceanic and continental influences.

FIND WINES LOIRE

SHOP