The most varied of the wine regions we have visited this year, and certainly the biggest …… a long snaking area from the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of France almost to Bourgogne and ending around Sancerre. This is the Loire Valley, home to Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Melon de Bourgogne (!) as the primary grapes of renowned appellations including Savennieres, Chinon, Anjou, Muscadet, Saumur, Vouvray, Sancerre, Pouilly Fume, Menetou Salon, Saumur Champigny …. an astounding array of grapes, appellations and terroir. Choosing who and where to visit with only 7 days was difficult to say the least but here’s our choices and reviews, just click the title to read the visit review:

Savennieres, Domaine du Closel

This visit was part of my Wines 101 search and the post I wrote was entitled “Wines For Women”!

Domaine du Closel, Clos du Papillon

Chinon, Domaine Couly-Dutheil

A stunning setting alongside Chateau Chinon, post entitled “Wife snaps while I taste wine”!

Menetou-Salon, Domaine Henry Pelle

A new appellation discovered, close to Sancerre, “No Cats Pee or Gooseberry Bush Thank You”

Saumur-Champigny, Domaine Filliatreau

A simple tasting with a challenge, post entitled “Wine tasting with troglodytes … no pressure”

Saumur, Gratien & Meyer

Not a specific post about our visit, but a wider review of their superb Cremant de Loire sparkling wines

Categories: Loire, Reviews, Wine

Tags: Cabernet Franc, chenin blanc, Chinon, Clos de L’Echo, clos du papillon, Couly Dutheil, Domaine du Closel, Filliatreau, Gratien Meyer, Henry Pelle, Loire Valley Wines, Menetou-Salon, sancerre, Saumur, Saumur Champigny, Sauvignon Blanc, savennieres, wine lovers