Climate: Atlantic to continental
climate. On the coast, Muscadet is damp and frost a problem as in
the rest of the region. Toward the east, the summers get warmer
and winters harsher.
Appellations: Anjou, Bonnezeaux,
Bourgueil and St. Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, Chateaumeillant, Chevenry
and Cour-Chevenry, Chinon, Coteaux DU Layon, Haut-Poitpou, Jasnieres,
Menetou-Salon, Montlouis, Muscadet, Pouilly-Fume and Pouilly-sur-Loire,
Quarts-de-Chaume, Quincy, Reuilly, Sancerre, Saumur, Savennieres,
Touraine and Vouvray (*** many other small appellations are
in the Loire Valley).
Production: 87,150 acres (35,000
ha); 390 million bottles.
Cabernet Franc is widely planted in the Anjou and
Touraine areas of Loire Valley. Loire Valley is Known for white wines,
rose and some lighter reds. The beginning of Loire Valley on the Atlantic
coast is the mouth of the Loire River as it empties into the ocean.
This is the Muscadet with dry, non-aromatic white wines. Further down
the Loire is Anjou and Saumur known for sugary roste and inexpensive
sparkling wine. The valley is known for Sauvignon Blanc found in Haut-Poitou
and Touraine in a variety of styles. Chenin Blanc is the predominant
grape of Vouvray where its characteristics are versatility and longevity.
Toward the eastern and sourthern end of the region is Sancerre, Pouilly
Fume, Quincy and Menetou-Salon. Sancerre also produces nice rose and
red wines made from Pinot Noir.
