France | The Loire

The Loire Valley is home to some of the worlds most recognisable and distinguished white wines. The Sauvignon Blanc grape is the variety that most people will have probably experienced at some time (perhaps without realising it!) through the fantastic white wines of Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. These are styles of white wine that countries such as New Zealand and South Africa have had great success in emulating.

However, there is more to this diverse region than the Sauvignon Blanc grape; for it is perhaps the only wine area in the world that can claim to specialise in the Cabernet Franc grape - producing fantastic reds in Chinon and Bourgeuil. It also can claim to produce four distinctly different styles of white wine with the Chenin Blanc grape: sparkling; dry; semi-sweet and sweet.

For the white wine lover there is much to enjoy from this region encompassing many styles, yet for the red wine drinker do not despair for we have some really interesting options for you to consider.