What grape varieties are used in Loire wines?

Visit Loire wines are characterized above all by their rich diversity. From the shores of the Atlantic to the heart of the Paris basin, the particularities of the terroirs give them finesse and crystalline freshness. These wines are made from a variety of grape varieties. And not just any grape variety, all the grape varieties of France all come from the same vine variety: the Vitis Vinifera.

For a clearer view of all the French grape varietiesour guide to grape varieties and terroir offers you a close-up of different grape varieties of the Loire Valley region.

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Which grape varieties are used in Loire white wines?

Most of the white grape varieties of the Loire Valley are vinified as dry, semi-dry and sweet, and represent 41 % of the region's wine production.

• Sauvignon Blanc is the Pouilly Fumé grape varietyBecause it is so fragile and difficult to harvest, it was long shunned by winegrowers. Today, thanks to advances in viticulture and its original aromas, the Sauvignon grape variety is the second grape variety planted in the Loire Valley, mainly in the Centre and Touraine regions. Fruity, with an acidic grape that adds freshness, the Pouilly Fumé and its grape varietyThey offer an aromatic bouquet with vegetal nuances of herbaceous, lemon and honeysuckle. A perfect choice to accompany goat's cheese, Valençay or Chavignol, a local specialty.
• Chenin Blanc : Chenin grape varietywith medium-sized, compact bunches, is grown in the Anjou and Tours regions. It is particularly well-suited to chalk soils, the same limestone used to build the chateaux of the Loire Valley. Today, the region offers an astonishing range of grape varieties. Chenin Blanc wines Our wines include dry, sweet, sparkling and the great mellow wines of the Loire Valley. The aromatic palette is dominated by fruity notes of golden apple, peach and quince.
• Chardonnay : Chardonnay is, like its colleague, originally from Burgundy. Known as one of the main AOC grape varieties of the Loire Valley, it is grown on the poor, siliceous-clay soils of Touraine, Anjou and Saumur. Thanks to its high quality potential, it is used to make Crémant de Loire, Saumur Brut and Dom Pérignon champagne. Its wines are well-balanced, full-bodied, with powerful, fruity aromas of green apple, lemon and peach.
• Melon de Bourgogne Grape variety: compact bunches with small yellow berries, this variety was introduced to the Nantes region by monks in the 16th century. Although little cultivated in its native region, it is nevertheless the most widely planted grape variety in the Loire Valley, forming the main part of the grape varieties of the Muscadet. Melon de Bourgogne produces pleasantly fresh, dry wines with light aromas of lemon, grapefruit and green almonds. With its smooth mouthfeel and natural acidity, it's the perfect accompaniment to seafood platters!

 

What grape varieties are used in Loire red wines?

? The production of red wines represents only 21 % of the region's wine production. Prestigious red wines are present in La Loire with the great appellations: Saumur, Saumur Champigny, Bourgueil, Chinon, Sancerre. Here, rosé is king, with a total production of 23 %.

• Cabernet Franc Originally from the Spanish Basque Country, it is said to have been brought back in the 11th century by pilgrims returning from Santiago de Compostela. Now grown in Touraine, Cabernet Franc is distinguished by its aromatic finesse with vegetal notes (blackcurrant, raspberry, grass) and good ageing potential. This is the first Saumur-Champigny grape varietyfollowed by Cabernet-Sauvignon and Pineau d'AunisThe last two are mainly used for assembly. Let's not forget either that he is the main grape variety of Bourgueil wine !
• Gamay This grape variety, which first appeared in the 14th century, produces bunches of juicy, thin-skinned berries that give wines with little color or tannin. Gamay is a black grape variety with white juice and original aromas of cherry, pepper and banana, used mainly in rosé wines.
• Pinot Noir Originally from Burgundy, it is now found in eastern Touraine. Pinot Noir is a grape variety that adapts to all climates and thrives on limestone soils. A grape with a thin skin, it produces wines with little tannin and beautiful, but not very intense, colors. Vinified without the skin, this variety produces wines such as Sancerre blancpale green-gold in color. Then, thanks to time-limited maceration, we obtain a dry, fine rosé wine with a deep color. Red wines, on the other hand, have a beautiful cherry color. The Sancerre grape variety offers wines with aromas of strawberry, raspberry and fougère, before evolving towards notes of leather and undergrowth with age.
• Le Grolleau The latter originates from Touraine, and is the fourth most widely planted red grape variety in the Loire Valley. Commonly vinified in rosé, it is part of the Crémant de Loire, Rosé de Loire and Anjou grape varieties. It produces easy-drinking, supple wines with low color and fruity aromas (apricot, peach, strawberry, etc.).

 

How to taste a Loire wine according to its grape variety?

Tasting a Loire wine can vary according to the type of wine. grape variety used in its production. Here are some general tips for tasting different grape varieties from the region:

• Sauvignon Blanc: Loire white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, such as Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé, are known for their tropical fruit, citrus and boxwood aromas. When tasting, you can start by appreciating their aromatic bouquet by swirling them in your glass to release the aromas. Then, take a sip and let the wine wash over your palate to appreciate its freshness, lively acidity and fruity flavors.
• Chenin Blanc: The Chenin Blanc grape is used to produce dry, semi-dry and sweet white wines from the Loire Valley, such as Vouvray and Savennières. These wines often offer a wide range of aromas, from stone fruit to citrus, honey and white flowers. When tasting, observe the wine's color, smell its aromatic bouquet, then take a sip and let the wine gradually reveal itself in your mouth. You can appreciate the balance between acidity, sweetness and complex flavor nuances.
• Cabernet Franc: The Cabernet Franc grape is widely used in the production of red wines from the Loire Valley, such as Chinon, Bourgueil and Saumur-Champigny. These red wines generally offer aromas of fresh red fruits, spices and subtle vegetal notes. When tasting, observe the wine's color and inhale its aromatic bouquet. Then take a sip and let the wine spread over your palate to appreciate its structure, its balance between tannin and acidity, and its fruity and spicy flavors.

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