Loire

The Loire wine region follows the River Loire in a long corridor from its Atlantic end to the area of Sancerre. The climate ranges from oceanic in the west to increasingly continental in the east, thereby forming different climate zones. The soils include, among other things, volcanic rocks, limestone and clay, the composition of which varies significantly between the local wine-growing areas.

The landscape is characterised by limestone slopes, river terraces and plateau areas. Since the 20th century, cultivation has increasingly been extended to the plateaus. More than 20 grape varieties are grown in the region; Chenin and Sauvignon are among the important white varieties, while Cabernet Franc and Gamay are among the important red varieties.

The Loire produces white, red, rosé and sparkling wines in dry, sweet and sparkling styles. Winegrowing has medieval roots and was influenced by river trade, changing preferences and export markets. The phylloxera crisis at the end of the 19th century significantly changed grape varieties, planting and vineyard structures. Also documented are developments such as organic winegrowing and the reintroduction of locally associated grape varieties.

Vouvray lies on the right bank of the Loire. The vineyards extend for about 20 kilometres there along river-related slopes and lie on different soils over tuff chalk. Caves and buildings carved into the tuff rock belong to the local vineyard and cellar structures.

The wines are produced exclusively from Chenin Blanc, which is also known as Pineau de la Loire. The growing area comprises dry, semi-dry, sweet and sparkling white wines. The appellation has been recognised since 1936; sparkling wines mature for at least twelve months in the documented tradition of tuff-cellar culture.

Around Saint-Andelain, vineyards are clustered around a distinctive hill and extend for about 20 kilometres along the Loire. The river there moderates fluctuations in cold temperatures. The soils include clayey-siliceous silex soils, marl of the designation terres blanches and limestone soils called caillotes.

Sancerre lies on steep slopes on the left bank of the Loire. The vineyards are mostly situated at elevations between 180 and 350 metres; some slopes have an incline of more than 50 per cent. The three documented groups of soils are marl, i.e. terres blanches, limestone, and clayey-siliceous soils such as chailloux or silex. Sancerre is produced from Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir and includes white, rosé and red wines. The white wines received recognition as an appellation in 1936, while the red and rosé wines were recognised in 1959.