Loire Valley
From Auvergne, in the heart of France, to Muscadet Sevre et Maine, on the harsh Atlantic coast, the Loire Valley is unique within Europe due to its sheer size and variance of climates, soils, and (to a lesser extent) grapes. Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Melon de Bourgogne, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Cabernet Sauvignon all find a home in the Loire Valley (with many more obscure local varietals sprinkled in). In a way, it’s similar to Sonoma County in how it experiences a high variance of microclimates, soils, and grapes. Sonoma is just compact and geographically driven by valleys whereas the Loire is driven by 600 miles of river stretched halfway across France. All this is to say, while we have four beautiful Loire wines for you this month, there is much more to explore for those interested.
All of these wines are from small producers operating sustainably, a somewhat new development in a region that had been plagued by overproduction due in part to its proximity to Paris (and the Parisians' need for lots of wine). The past few decades have seen significant shifts toward quality though. Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, and Vouvray have emerged as world-class white wine regions while Chinon and Bourgueil are benchmarks for Cabernet Franc production. This month we start with a sparkler, dip into Sauvignon Blanc, then Pinot Noir, and finally Cabernet Franc. We hope you enjoy!
Arnaud Lambert
Crémant Blanc
Producer Profile
Domaine Arnaud Lambert was founded in 1996 by Yves Lambert and is now run by his son, Arnaud. Full organic and biodynamic certification was achieved in the 2000’s. They make a wide range of wines in Saumur, in the Middle Loire, where the Loire sees some of its finest sparkling wine production.
Tasting Notes
The tense Chenin Blanc is softened well by the Chardonnay. Stone fruits like pear and peach zip around on the palate with marzipan and toasty notes balancing out the acid.
Pairing Suggestions
New Year’s Eve parties and snacks! Crackers, hard cheeses, shellfish.
|
The region: Saumur, Loire Valley |
The style: Sparkling, Organic, Biodynamic |
The grapes: Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc |
Domaine du Salvard
Le Petit Salvard 2022
Producer Profile
Domaine du Salvard has been owned and operated by the Delaille family since 1898. Over the years they’ve consistently made Sauvignon Blanc-based wines of the highest quality, with their top-end cuvee from Cheverny being a benchmark for the region. ‘Le Petit Salvard’ is their every-day Sauvignon Blanc and is an incredible value when compared to similar styles from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.
Tasting Notes
A hint of grapefruit on the nose but more-so fresh lemon and underlying minerality. Citrus bounces around the mouth with the grapefruit coming more forward and both lemon and lime joining in. Honeysuckle, minerality, and acidity coat the tongue and demand subsequent sips.
Pairing Suggestions
Something classic: a hearty caesar salad; something experiential: fritto misto di mare.
|
The region: Touraine, Loire Valley |
The style: White, Sustainable |
The grapes: Sauvignon Blanc |
Gaspard
Pinot Noir 2022
Producer Profile
Gaspard is an in-house brand of superb natural wine importer Jenny & Francois. You may be familiar with their Sauvignon Blanc, which we’ve carried for about a year. The fruit is hand-picked from 60 year old organic vines before native fermentation and then 12 months aging in neutral oak barriques.
Tasting Notes
Dark fruits like plum, blackberry, and black cherry give this lighter-bodied red some nice backbone while still being easy-drinking. Very aromatic (as I find with most Loire reds) with a variety of herbs and spices well-integrated into the fruit. Low tannin, medium acidity, and medium body. Refreshing!
Pairing Suggestions
Parmesan mushroom gnocchi. Simple and wonderful.
|
The region: Loire Valley |
The style: Red, Sustainable |
The grapes: Pinot Noir |
Pascal Biotteau
Anjou Rouge 2022
Producer Profile
Biotteau’s vineyard is located right on a dividing line between slate soils and clay/limestone soils, leading to unique depth in the Cab Franc/Sauvignon they grow there. The family has been farming this land for four generations and is on the forefront of sustainability in an Anjou region most-known for producing sweet red wines for mass consumption.
Tasting Notes
Black currant, rich raspberry, sandalwood, and an abundance of purple and red floral notes on both the nose and palate. Full-bodied with balanced, crunchy tannins and the perfect touch of acid.
Pairing Suggestions
If you’re lucky enough to have some fresh venison around, this would pair perfectly with venison stew or a roast. Lamb will work wonderfully as a substitute though.
|
The region: Anjou, Loire Valley |
The style: Red, Organic, Biodynamic |
The grapes: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon |