Go on! Bloom Big with Loire Wines

With its rich history and diverse terroir, the Loire Valley is home to some of France’s most dynamic wines. Renowned for their fresh, fruity, and floral profiles, Loire wines reflect both tradition and innovation. Recently, Wine Enthusiast tasted and rated a standout selection of these wines, giving wine lovers the perfect guide to explore the best the region has to offer. From the vibrant Sauvignon Blanc to the bold Cabernet Franc, these highly rated wines are your invitation to discover the Loire’s unique flavors. Explore the scores and let your next glass bloom big.

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La Loire Vue du Ciel Osmany Tavares — Image Courtesy of INTERLOIRE

Chateau de Chenonceau — Image Courtesy of INTERLOIRE

With its majestic chateaux, verdant landscapes and long history of winemaking, the Loire is known as the Garden of France. Home to three distinct regions—Pays Nantais, Anjou-Saumur and Touraine—France’s third-largest wine producing area is ripe for discovery.

Innovation guides the vision of Loire’s numerous winegrowers, merchants and cooperatives, resulting in fresh, dynamic wines that capture drinkers’ attention. With a Loire wine in your glass, it’s easy to open your mind to new possibilities. Go on, let your imagination bloom big.

History of the Loire

The history of the region is long and rich. Romans planted vines over 2,000 years ago in the Nantais, setting off the region’s long relationship with winemaking. In the Middle Ages, the wines of Anjou had fans in the French royal court. With this prestigious endorsement, Loire wines grew in popularity, and, in tandem, so did vineyard plantings.

Like much of Europe, the region was not immune to phylloxera. But in the 20th century, the implementation of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) system kickstarted a renaissance. In recognition of its past, culture, and beauty, the Loire Valley received UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2000.

Chateau de Montsoreau — IMAGE COURTESY OF INTERLOIRE

Loire Wines Are Fresh

Freshness is one of the most defining styles of Loire wines, a quality attributed to the climate and soils. The ocean’s influences on Pays Nantais result in mild winters and hot summers, which is ideal for grape maturation. This maritime climate is also found in neighboring Anjou but in contrast to the rainier weather of Pays Nantais, the sun constantly shines in Anjou. Meanwhile, Saumur’s hilly terrain creates a barrier from the ocean’s westerly wind current, resulting in wider climactic changes throughout the seasons. Touraine is at the nexus of maritime and continental climates, and east-west oriented valleys contribute to the creation of numerous microclimates throughout the region.

But climate is only one part of the story. Over ten main soil types are found across the three regions and each contributes a unique quality to the wines produced here.

For example, granite and gneiss soils bring acidity and minerality to the Melon Blanc grape in Muscadet PDO in the Nantes region, while limestone brings finesse to Sauvignon Blanc in appellations throughout Saumur. The roundness and velvety texture of Cabernet Franc from Chinon PDO in Touraine can be attributed to the area’s alluvium sand and gravel soils. Across the board, all these wines and more share a vivaciousness that comes from the terroir.

Forteresse de Chinon — IMAGE COURTESY OF INTERLOIRE

Montsoreau — IMAGE COURTESY OF INTERLOIRE

Loire Wines Are Fruity and Floral

No matter the variety, Loire wines stand out for their ebullient fruit character.

In general, red wines can exhibit bright cherry, raspberry, and blackberry notes. Cabernet Franc, the most widely grown variety, has become a signature for the Loire. In fact, the region is the largest Cabernet Franc-growing region in the world. Gamay is another popular grape that can be bottled on its own, but is sometimes used in a blend. Grolleau, used for semi-dry rosés, and Cabernet Sauvignon round out the top four red varieties cultivated here.

White varieties display zesty citrus fruits such as lemon to ripe orchard fruits such as apricot and nectarine. But what really sets Loire white wines apart are the delicate floral notes, such as jasmine and white flowers. These aromas and flavors, combined with Loire’s telltale freshness, make white wines from the Loire some of the most exciting in the world.

The two white grapes most closely associated with the Loire are Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. The former is highly versatile and can be produced in a number of styles, from dry to sparkling to sweet. The latter, Sauvignon Blanc, is rapidly becoming the world’s most beloved white grape, takes on numerous expressions depending on the terroir.

In total, 30 varieties create a number of wines, from dry reds and whites to sweet wines to sparkling. Sparkling wines are another bright spot in the region: Outside of Champagne, the Loire is the number one sparkling wine-producing region in France.

It is through careful winemaking techniques that producers further express these singular qualities in Loire wines. Years of experience combined with innovation drive the work in the cellar and bring the expressions of these terroir-driven wines to their fullest.

Domaine du Château de Bellevue adresse du domaine : Château de Bellevue 49190 Saint Aubin de Luigné / récolte blanc près de Savennière / cépage Chenin — IMAGE COURTESY OF INTERLOIRE

Loire Wines Are Fair

Excellent wines start in the vineyards, and Loire producers and winegrowers are committed to following fair and sustainable farming practices. In 2019, the Loire Wines Wine Plan set a goal of having 100% of farms certified sustainable or organic by 2030, and today, just five years in, 73% of vineyards and 85% of surface areas are certified either organic or sustainable by High Environmental Value (HEV), Terre Vitis, Ecocert or another certifying organization.

InterLoire, the Loire Wine Council, worked with several research and science teams to create the Agroclimatic Atlas, which shows projected changes to vineyards through 2100. By understanding how climate change will affect the region, the constellation of producers and winegrowers can take action now to mitigate future issues.

But sustainability isn’t just about farming; it is also about people. The strong sense of community in the Loire dictates that workers are treated fairly and everyone in the wine industry shows respect for one another.

Fresh, fruity, floral and fair: these qualities are the essence of Loire wines.

Vignes Vouvray Stevens Frémont — IMAGE COURTESY OF INTERLOIRE

Notable Achievements

Recently, Wine Enthusiast tasted and rated a wide selection of Loire wines. Muscadet received some of the highest scores overall, and reviewers raved over the freshness. But even more exciting, Muscadet proved its ability to age, with several 2018 vintages topping the charts. The tasting team especially noted the aromas of marmalade and baked apple that came through on the more mature wines, along with the persistent acidity that gave the wines, both newer and older vintages, lift and vibrancy.

Chenin Blanc was another favorite and examples from all appellations scored highly. Reviewers commented on its round texture, layers of complex flavors, and in several cases, the potential to age.

When it came to reds, Cabernet Franc claimed the top spots. Wines from Chinon impressed the Wine Enthusiast team with their bright red fruit and floral tones, but it was the herbal, spice and umami characters that really set them apart. Cabernet Franc from Bourgueil stood out for its plum and black fruit flavors as well as its silky tannins.

Finally, several Crémant de Loire sparkling wines garnered high praise. Reviewers called out the warm, toasty flavors and aromas as well as the energy of these traditional method bubbles.

Across the board, terms like “freshness,” “bright fruit” and “aromatic” appeared again and again, illustrating the energy and diversity of Loire wines.

To see the scores and find delicious wines to try for yourself, click here. To learn more about Loire Wines, click here.