Loir wines: the discovery of hidden treasures

The wines from the Loir valley remain relatively unknown. Pretty villages along its banks like Ruillé-sur-Loir and L’homme produce a delicious white wine called ‘Jasnières’ (AOC); an elegant fine Chenin wine which complements fish and poultry dishes. Perfect for an aperatif by the picturesque lake at Marçon, the Côteaux du Loir (AOC) wines are delightfully fruity and aromatic, combining elegance, richness, complexity and a long finish. The reds, Gamay and Pinot Noir are just as seductive and the exclusive Pineau d’Aunis is only grown in 2 locations in the region.

The emphasis is on quality and authenticity. It is a real privilege to visit one of the small vineyards and learn the craft of wine making directly from the viticulture. Time stands still as you listen to these passionate professionals for whom vinification is an art. Man works in harmony with nature and, on organic estates, the characteristics of the wine change each year according to the weather. Each wine has a life of its own. The Guinguette red is a big surprise! The first sip is light and the kick is pepper, served chilled it's perfect for a picnic.

At places like the ‘Domaine de Charrière’, you don't have to worry about a little over indulgence at the wine tasting as they offer B&B rooms which you can retire to before your ‘cup runneth over’!

The wines of the Loir are authentic, sophisticated and subtle. You won't find them everywhere. It's like discovering hidden treasure – start checking out your map now! 

  DomainedelaCharrière  

Sam’s Scoop

 

The dynamic, English-speaking viticulteur, Sébastian Cornille, at the Domaine de la Roche Bleue, Marçon, takes pride in combining modern and traditional techniques. His tour is captivating. He takes you deep into his 16^thcentury cave and explains the black ceiling; a fungus is sustained by the 'part des anges' (wine evaporating from the barrels). When all the wine is taken away the ceiling returns to its natural cream colour – these fungi can't live without wine!

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