Destination of the Week

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley lies between the mountains of the Massif Central and the Atlantic Ocean. The vineyards along the banks of the Loire River are used to produce a large number of blends and styles of wine.

Some of the appellations don't do well in the rest of France yet thrive here. These include Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne (whites) and Cabernet Franc (red).

It's an almost unending number of appellations in total but there are four basic categories, Vin de Nantais, Anjou-Saumur, Touraine, and Central Vineyards. If you're traveling from the states, plan on three days if possible.

Cities are dotted along the peaceful Loire and its tributaries, each with royal châteaux that are some the most recorded sights in France. From Chenonceau, above the River Cher to Chambord, from the famed gardens of Villandry, to the Sleeping Beauty abode of Ussé these spectacular châteaux remain as a reminder of the great monarchy age of France

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Tours is the center of Touraine . It's a great anchor point to get to Chenonceau, a true castle in the Loire Valley . From there, Montlouis-sur-Loire is back to the east. Great hotels, and an opportunity to experience the chateau life with visits to the Broglie princes' opulent, neo-Renaissance Château de la Bourdaisière. Across the Loire River are Loire , of course and Bloise, both with other luxurious chateaux.

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Be sure to tour Blois and, from there, visit Chambord and Amboise . There you'll find the Clos-Lucé mansion, final residence of Leonardo da Vinci. From there, head back into the Middle Ages at Chinon. It's worth the trip.

The Wines of The Loire Valley:

Whites

The Burgundy melon: the vine used to make Muscadet.

Chardonnay: Often combined with other white grapes from the Loire Valley.

Chenin: is a late-harvesting vine that grows well in a variety of microclimates including those from Anjoy and Touraine.

Folle blanche: produces Gros-Plant from the Nantes area.

Sauvignon: Sauvignon is more fragile and very sensitive to both climate and soil.

Reds

Cabernet franc: it's also known as "Breton," originally coming from the Nantes region.

Cabernet sauvignon: Not grown heavily in the Loire Valley but it is used in blends with cabernet franc.

Gamay: broadly grown in Touraine .

Grolleau: second most widely produced grape in the Loire Valley.

Pinot noir: from Burgundy , Pinot Noir is dominant in the central region.

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