The Loire Valley is the heart of France, famous for its natural beauty, magnificent châteaux and great wine. The region is rich in history and culture: Renaissance writer Rabelais was born here; Joan of Arc led French troops to victory in the Hundred Years’ War in the Loire; and, as the Cradle of the French Language, its residents speak the purest French.

    The Loire Valley contains several distinct wine regions, each with its own characteristic grapes, appellations and styles

    As a testament to all the region contributes to French and global culture, the Loire Valley (between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire) was added to UNESCO’ World Heritage list in 2000.

    Select one of the regions from the map above to learn more.

    Pays Nantais
    Anjou
    Saumur
    Touraine
    Centre-Loire

    Pays Nantais

    The Pays Nantais, on the Atlantic coast of Brittany, near the city of Nantes has been producing dry white wine, since the Roman era. The region is known for Muscadet, (made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape and not related in any way to Muscat) the largest white wine appellation in France, and the ultimate crisp, dry seaside wine.

    Appellations

    Muscadet Muscadet Sevre et Maine Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu Coteaux d’Ancenis Gros Plant du Pays Nantais Crus du Muscadet PGI Val de Loire

    Anjou

    The ancient Duchy of Anjou was once a political power that rivaled the Kingdom of France for wealth and importance. Anjou produces many of the Loire Valley’s best sweet wines Bonnezeaux, Coteaux du Layon and Quarts de Chaume, all made from Chenin Blanc.  Anjou is also home to Savennières, a fascinating dry Chenin Blanc, as well as excellent red Anjou (made from Cabernet Franc) and the very popular, off-dry Rosé d'Anjou.

    Appellations

    Anjou Anjou Coteaux de la Loire Anjou Villages Anjou Villages Brissac Cabernet d’Anjou Bonnezeaux Coteaux de l'Aubance Coteaux du Layon Coteaux du Layon Villages Crémant de Loire (Anjou) Jasnières Savennières Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru Rosé d’Anjou Rosé de Loire Anjou Coteaux de la Loire Coteaux du Layon 1er Cru Chaume Savennières Roche aux Moines Coulée de Serrant PGI Val de Loire

    Saumur

    A PREMIERE SPARKLING WINE REGION IN FRANCE

    Saumur is a picturesque city dominated by one of the most famous castles in France. The castle, like many of the great châteaux of the Loire Valley, is built with the same tuffeau limestone that underlies the vineyards of the region. Excavations left from building castles and palaces left hundreds of miles of underground tunnels that now serve as cellars for Fines Bulles®, the Chenin Blanc based sparkling wines of the Loire. Saumur also produces Saumur-Champigny, one of the Loire Valley's great Cabernet Franc red wines.

    Appellations

    Coteaux de Saumur Saumur Blanc Saumur Brut Saumur-Champigny Crémant de Loire (Saumur) Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame PGI Val de Loire

    Touraine

    Touraine, sometimes called the “Garden of France.” was where kings and nobles built many of the chateaux that make the Loire Valley one of France’s most popular tourist destinations. Wine of the region include many famous appellations, including Vouvray, made from Chenin Blanc and Chinon, Bourgueil and St Nicolas de Bourgeuil, all made from Cabernet Franc. The Touraine appellation also includes excellent examples of Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay and Malbec (locally known as côt) that provide excellent quality with and competitive pricing

    Appellations

    Chinon Coteaux du Loir Coteaux du Vendômois Crémant de Loire (Touraine) Haut-Poitou PGI Val de Loire Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil Touraine Touraine Amboise Touraine Azay-le Rideau Touraine Mesland Touraine Noble Joué Touraine-Oisly Vouvray

    Centre-Loire

    Explore Centre-Loire

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