Loire
The Loire region, surrounds the River Loire, which at just over 1000 km is the longest river in France. It runs alongside woods and fields, impressive Chateaux and towns full of history. Also you will discover a vast landscape mainly devoted to agriculture - much of it being the cultivation of vines!
The river and therefore the region stretches from Alencon and near Chartres in the North, to below Chateauroux in the South, and to just beyond Bourges in the East. The river wends its way through the quintessential French towns of Orleans, Blois, Tours, Angers and then flows into the Atlantic at Nantes.
There is a great variety of wines in the Loire but as these are Northern vineyards they all share the same characteristics of wines from a cool climate, with intense fruit and high acidity. Among the most famous of the white grapes is Sauvignon Blanc in particular from Sancerre and nearly Pouilly in the Eastern Loire. In the centre of the region the grape is predominantly Chenin Blanc with the Vouvray appellation giving the best examples, whilst the best of the Reds are from Cabernet Franc, with Chinon and Bourgeuil giving the most classic examples. Pinot Noir is grown in the Eastern Loire too where it makes a lean but fruity wine which ages surprisingly well when made by top producers. To the West the white grape changes to Muscadet for the wine of the same name, which ideally match with the abundant seafood. Other wines that you should definitely look out for are the sparkling wines of Saumur and the fabulous, intensely sweet wines of Bonnezeaux and Quarts des Chaumes in the Anjou appellation.
Tasting the wines of the Loire is all about finding the best producers as in addition to the many quality growers; there is an enormous amount of cheap plonk produced here.
Traveling in the Loire offers unspoilt countryside, classic French towns, picturesque villages, colourful local produce markets and of course the opportunity to visit the stunning Chateaux, such as at Azay, Chenonceaux, Chaumont, Cheverny and Villandry with their beautiful surrounding gardens. To complement the wines you will find a rich and varied gastronomy including of course excellent fish from the river itself and seafood fresh from the Atlantic; this is claimed to be the home of rillettes (love it or hate it!) and other charcuterie as well as goat's cheeses the most famous being from Ste Maure and from Chavignol near Sancerre. Of course, as this is known as "the Garden of France" there are abundant excellent fresh vegetables too.
To get to the region, you can fly to Tours or Nantes, take the ferry from Portsmouth to Caen or take the train via Paris. You could also stay in a www.wineroutes.co.uk property in the Loire en-route to Bordeaux as it makes for an ideal stop off for a few days if you are traveling by car.
The Loire by Train
25 - 30 October 2008
