Buying Loire Wines: Value Hunter's Paradise

The Sweet Spots

- Under €15: Muscadet sur lie, basic Sancerre, Bourgueil - €15-25: Single-vineyard Muscadet, Vouvray, Chinon - €25-40: Top producers' village wines, Savennières - €40+: Iconic producers, old vines, special cuvées

What to Look For

- Producer reputation matters more than appellation - Vintage variation significant—research before buying - Chenin Blanc offers best ageability - Natural producers often offer best value

Importer Clues

- Look for: Louis/Dressner, Kermit Lynch, Jenny & François - These importers specialize in small Loire producers - Often indicate natural/minimal intervention wines