Domaine Fouassier
Typically in Sancerre a producer’s classic blend is likely to be blended from across different soils according to the plots of vineyards owned or managed by the domaine. But Domaine Fouassier was one of the early ones to bottle wines from particular vineyard parcels, having done so for about 30 years.
Domaine Luneau-Papin
The rumours of Muscadet’s death are greatly exaggerated. It may be made from the relatively harmless melon de Bourgogne, but it’s grown across a variety of soils and sub-soils, and in the hands of skilled exponents such as at Domain Luneau-Papin, the wines will politely force anyone who tastes them to reconsider their views on Muscadet wines.
Muscadet vats
The typical, underground, glass-lined vats used in the Nantais.
Dry Loire valley chenin blanc
Chenin blanc is at the heart and souls of the Loire river, where it makes some of the best dry wines around.
Crus de Loire
The Loire valley has begun to break with its long tradition of a single-ranking, single-level appellation system. In 2011 it started to evolve a cru system of appellations.
Cork or screwcap, screwcap or cork?
I recently came across a couple of tasty wines from the almost unknown top (closer to the source) / bottom (in the Massif Central) corner of the Loire valley. The wines were both bottles under cork and screwcap.
Domaine Ogereau
Domaine Ogereau is located in the Anjou village of Saint Lambert du Lattay, in the heart of the Coteaux du Layon appellation. Fourth generation Vincent Ogereau took over the family business in 1989
Quarts de Chaume dissected
Due south, across the river, of new Loire appellations Roches aux Moines and Coulée de Serrant in Savennières, lies Quarts de Chaume, recently elevated to grand cru status. Claude Papin of Château Pierre Bize explained its origins.
Savennières Roche aux Moines – identity crisis or evolution?
A visit in August to Savennières Roche aux Moines, which is to become an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée/Protegée in its own right from the 2011 vintage, revealed what might be interpreted as something of an identity crisis, with some quite dramatic shifts in philosophy.
Loire sauvignon blanc – not Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé
If you’re into sauvignon blanc then Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are the names to conjure with, but France’s Loire valley offers many other opportunities to drink wines from this bright and zesty grape variety.
