The Loire is France’s longest river valley. Starting in the Massif Central and ending on the Atlantic coast, it crosses a wild variety of terroirs that gave birth to their own appellations. All wine styles are produced here but the most renowned are the flinty Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé. Chenin Blanc is also vastly planted and thrives in Touraine, especially in Saumur and Vouvray where it produces excellent dry, sweet, and sparkling wine. While the whites get the most attention, brilliant reds are also made from Cabernet Franc in Chinon and Pinot Noir in Sancerre. Read more…