Loire Valley

Melon Blanc

A grape variety known for producing dry wines with medium alcohol, high acidity, and a light body, often aged in oak or concrete.

Muscadet

An AOC classification for wines made from Melon Blanc, including styles such as Muscadet Sèvre et Maine and Muscadet sur lie.

Sur Lie

A winemaking technique where wine spends the winter on the lees, resulting in a richer texture.

Chenin Blanc

A versatile grape used in Anjou-Saumur, producing wines that can be dry, sparkling, or sweet depending on the region.

Savennières

A dry, full-bodied Chenin Blanc wine, complex in flavor and capable of aging.

Coteaux du Layon

A sweet wine from the region between the Loire River and the Layon River, affected by noble rot, renowned for its complexity.

Cabernet Franc

A grape variety prominent in Saumur-Champigny, producing light-bodied, early-drinking wines with violet characteristics.

Cabernet D’Anjou

A high-quality rosé wine that ranges from medium-dry to medium-sweet, made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Rosé D’Anjou

A less sweet rosé made primarily from Grolleau, often blended with Cabernet Franc.

Vouvray

A type of wine made from Chenin Blanc in Touraine, available in still or sparkling varieties, and can range from dry to sweet.

Sauvignon de Touraine

A wine made from Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by its fresh and fruity style.

Touraine

A wine region where Cabernet Franc produces light, fruity wines on sandy soils and fuller-bodied wines on limestone and clay.

Central Vineyards

A region producing Sauvignon Blanc from well-drained, stony limestone soils, with Chavignol being a noted village and Monts Damnés a top vineyard.

Gamay

A grape variety producing fruity and early-drinking wines.

Rosé de Loire

A high-volume production rosé from the Touraine region.