The Loire Valley, often referred to as the "Garden of France," is a revered wine region that stretches along the Loire River, producing an array of distinct wines, including the crisp, sea-breeze influenced Muscadet near the Atlantic coast, the versatile and expressive Chenin Blanc in regions like Vouvray and Anjou, the elegantly fragrant Cabernet Franc from Chinon and Bourgueil, and the minerally complex Sauvignon Blanc-based Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé from its eastern vineyards. This is a reflection of the valley's varied terroir and climate, which together foster the creation of wines that are celebrated for their finesse, diversity, and food-friendliness.
Loire Valley
Pineau d'Aunis is an old red grape of the Loire, now grown mostly in the Coteaux du Loir, Coteaux du Vendômois and around Touraine. It is not related to Pinot despite its name. It is prized for a distinctive white-pepper spice, with red currant, raspberry and a lifted, almost floral perfume, light color and soft tannins. Long overlooked, it has been revived by a small group of growers, many of them natural-wine producers, who make it as a pale red, a delicate rosé ('gris') and occasionally sparkling. It is a wine to serve cool and drink young.


