Loire Valley In France has become known as the Garden of France. It is famous for its architecture, castles, rivers and wines. Loire Valley is most famous for its white wines, but what most people don’t know is that they produce some of the best, red, berry, sweet tasting wines in the world. I had the great fortune of tasting several of these wines because I love sweet , fruity wines and here is just a few of some of the delicious wines of Loire Valley.
2008 Lucien Crochet Sancerre Pinot Rose
Lucien Crochet- Winery
Price- $30
Look- bright, pink, mineral
Smell- rosy, fruity
Taste- pink grapefruit, strawberry, red berry, citrusy
2004 Domaine Thomas & Fils/Jean Thomas Sancerre Ultimus
Domaine Thomas & Fils/Jean Thomas Winery
Price- $29
Look- oak tone
Smell- vanilla, toasty
Taste- apple, pear, vanilla, fig
2005 Chinon Terroir
Cabernet Franc
Charles Joguet Winery
Price- $19
Look- dark, ruby
Smell- berry
Taste- fruity
2004 Domaine des Baumard Coteux du alyon Clos. Ste Catherine
Domaine des Baumard-Winery
Chenin Blanc
Price- $38
Look- dark
Smell- crisp
Taste- sweet, peach, pear apple, ripe fruity
Chardonnay
Domaine de Bernier
Price- $12.99
Look- ember, golden
Smell- citrusy, light
2007 Gamay wine
Serge Batard Winery
Price- $10
Look- dark
Smell- acidic, chemical
Taste- dark berry
Note:
Loire Valley has some of the best wine in the region. They have the sweet, robust, pinot noir, chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and gamay. Some of the wines mentioned above are a little on the high side but they are very much worth the money. Try the Gamay, it is an acquired taste but it has a unique bite to it. It is only distributed once a year around November so be on the look out for that. Most of the wines form Loire Valley are made In vineyards that are built along the longest river in France. Some of the berries are taken at the very first signs of ripeness and this gives the flavor a unique kick. Try the wonderful, robust berry flavored wines of the Loire Valley you will be pleasantly surprised by the fullness and the body of some of their wines.
Many of these wines can be found in many of the upscale grocers, and online at several wine clubs. Of course the meals that can go with any of the berry wines is beef, spicy, fried foods etc. The white wines are great with seafood, poultry etc.
Sources: www.wineaccess.com; www.loirevalleywine.com