Loire Valley

The Loire Valley lies in the heart of France, famous for its natural beauty, magnificent chateaux and great wine. The region is rich in history and culture. It is also the spot where Joan of Arc led French troops to victory in the Hundred Years' War. The region is traditionally famous for its white varieties especially sauvignon blanc. Regions such as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé produce spectacular consistent vintages of this variety and others. The area also produces small amounts of light fruity reds and some very good dessert wines. Popularity of Loire Valley wines with sommeliers and wine writers has been growing steadily for the past ten years because for several reasons: Firstly moderate alcohol, refreshing acidity and minerality make them ideal food wines.Secondly, they are pure wines relying on terroir unmasked by oak. Finally they prove to be excellent value. The Loire river adds the necessary few degrees of temperature required for grapes to grow. Areas north and south of the Loire Valley have shown to be unfavorable to to viticulture. The area has a continental climate that is influenced by the Loire River and the Atlantic ocean at the western edge of the region.