Loire Valley
Loire Valley
Located in north-central France, the Loire Valley is named for the Loire River, which flows east to west and moderates the climate with fewer temperatures extremes and milder winters than areas further from the river. Its banks are teeming with fruit orchards, asparagus fields, historic architecture, and— most importantly— vineyards.
About two-thirds the size of Bordeaux (its neighbor to the south), the Loire wine region is much wider, spanning 625 miles east to west. Loire has a continental climate that can vary with each vintage depending on weather, but its generally cool, sunny days make for ideal growing conditions for Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc.
The Loire Valley includes Muscadet, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé AOCs—home to some of the greatest Sauvignon Blancs of the world. Additionally, Loire is France’s second-largest sparkling wine producer after Champagne, with Crémants de Loire made in the méthode traditionelle to produce bubblies perfect for celebrations.
Wine Profile
Loire Valley wines are notoriously fruit-forward and crisp, with bright, energetic Sauvignon Blancs and smooth yet effervescent Crémants de Loire.
