Loire's greatest grape adapts to site and style:
- High acidity allows multiple expressions
- Ages magnificently—100-year-old wines still fresh
- Honey, quince, wet wool when mature
- From bone dry to unctuously sweet
Cabernet Franc: The Elegant Red
Different here than anywhere:
- Lighter, more aromatic than Bordeaux versions
- Pencil lead, violets, bell pepper when ripe
- Can age 20+ years in good vintages
- Food-friendly moderate alcohol
Muscadet/Melon de Bourgogne: The Survivor
Planted after devastating 1709 freeze:
- Neutral grape transformed by lees aging
- Sea spray and lemon character
- Perfect aperitif or seafood wine
- New serious styles emerging
Sauvignon Blanc: The Original
Before New Zealand, before Bordeaux:
- Pure mineral expression
- Gooseberry, citrus, sometimes smoky
- No oak to mask terroir
- Rarely exceeds 13% alcohol
Others Adding Complexity
- Pineau d'Aunis: Peppery local red
- Grolleau: Light red, excellent rosé
- Romorantin: Rare white in Cour-Cheverny
- Pinot Noir: Surprisingly good in Sancerre
- Gamay: Juicy wines in Touraine