Loire

The Loire Valley couldn’t be more deserving of its nickname, ‘Le Jardin de la France’. This vast expanse of vineyards stretching almost 500km from the Atlantic coast to the centre of Franceis one of the most pedologically diverse regions of the wine world, a terroir-rich playgroundfor the hundreds of talented vignerons who work its soils.

Atlantic breezes lap the schist, quartz vineyards of the Nantais to the west where gentle lees aging produces the refreshing, food-friendly white, Muscadet. Further inland in Saumur and Anjou, rows of cellars carved from limestone (tuffeau) store some of the world’s most stunning expressions of the Chenin grape. From the unctuous, sweet, honey blossom whites of Côteaux du Layon to sparkling Saumurs which rival the best of Champagne, and some fresh and vibrant reds from the Loire’s best loved red grape, Cabernet Franc.

Tiptoe further still and discover the 100% Chenin whites of Vouvray where clay flint soils yield yet more outstanding varieties with the longevity and structure of the best white Burgundy.

The eastern tip of this vast and fascinating region belongs to Sauvignon Blanc. In the famous white vineyards of Sancerre chalky, limestone and flint soils unify to give this distinctive white its gun flint character. Across the river a touch more clay provides Pouilly Fumé with a complex smokiness which makes it unique. Just below, Menetou Salon and Quincy should not be overlooked as exceptionally good value alternatives to their A-list neighbours.

With this level of diversity and range, the Loire Valley really is a secret garden for the exploring wine drinker.