France | Central Vineyards, Loire

The Central Vineyards or "Centre-Loire" are so called because they are at the exact geographical centre of France, not the centre of the Loire Valley; which is an indication of how far the Loire Valley extends.

The most easterly of the Loire Valley vineyards, the Centre-Loire, is the original home of Sauvignon Blanc and famous for the iconic concentrated wines of Sancerre (one of the world’s most prestigious Sauvignon Blanc's), elegant Pouilly-Fumé, the fresh and floral character of Menetou-Salon, the purity of Quincy and the lightness of Reuilly.

The two towns of Sancerre and Pouilly-sur-Loire (where Pouilly-Fumé is made) sit on opposite sides of the Loire river with Sancerre being about 10 miles (16 km) to the northwest of Pouilly.

The region also produces excellent reds and rosé from Pinot Noir in Sancerre, Menetou-Salon, and Chateaumeillant.