Though not as effectively generally known as Burgundy and Bordeaux, the Loire Valley produces a number of the finest wine in France and there’s one thing for everybody. From the glowing Crémant that rivals neighboring Champagne, to the bone dry Sancerre made with Sauvignon blanc, to the pink Cabernet franc of Chinon, the area abounds in top quality wine.
We like how unassuming most of the wineries are. When you cease for a tasting right here, it’s usually the proprietor serving you and displaying you the cellar. Many locations don’t require a reservation and sometimes the tastings are free, however we often purchase a bottle or two to indicate our appreciation. Plus these are superb wines and are fairly reasonably priced.
One of our favourite wineries to go to is Vincent Gaudry in Sancerre. Although it’s a little bit of a drive from Amboise, when you’re a fan of the stony minerality of those well-known white wines, it’s well worth the drive. Vincent was one of many first biodynamic growers on this area and likes to supply tastings in his small cellar. His wines are a exceptional expression of the terroir and he’s a gracious host. When we had been there with our daughter, he requested her what 12 months she was born and pulled a dusty bottle of 1992 to allow us to style!