Loire Valley Wines - Tasting 4 6 2010

Loire Valley Wine Tasting April 6th, 2010

This month we tasted wines from an under-appreciated region of France - the Loire Valley.  This area, known as the "garden of France", is in the northwest, not far from Paris. As a result, the Parisians have been quaffing Bourgueils and Vouvrays for centuries; the rest of the world is just starting to catch up.  This region is varied with many unusual grape varieties - Melon de Bourgogne, Chenin Blanc, etc. - and many sub-climates, making for a very interesting tasty.  These wines would all be considered very food friendly and all of them wines were under $20!  

Château Moncontour Brut ~ $17

Vouvray, Touraine

Chenin Blanc

This lovely, honey-colored sparkling wine was a crowd favorite.  The Chenin Blanc gives the wine a richer quality than you normally find in wines predominately based on Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Nice citrus aromas with biscuity undertones.  Creamy on the palate, with perhaps a little stone fruit and caramel.    

Chateau de la Ragotiere 2007 ~ $16

Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, Pays Nantais

Melon de Bourgogne

Don't be fooled by the name, this is not a sweet wine based on the muscat grape, but a briny, minerally seafood friendly delight!  It is a pale straw color.  Has great apple and pear aromas on the nose as well as a little sparkle from remaining sur lie for 8 months.  

Domaine le Peu de la Moriette 2008 ~ $15

Vouvray, Touraine

Chenin Blanc

Vouvray, along with Sancerre, are probably the most recognized wines from the Loire Valley.  This pale Chenin Blanc exhibits all the honeyed, floral aromas of a classic Vouvray.  However, this is not a sweet, insipid wine, there is a tight minerality on the palate with peach and other stone fruit.  

Domaine de la Rossignole “Cuvée Vielles Vignes” 2008 ~ $20

Sancerre, Central Loire

Sauvignon Blanc

This has been a personal favorite for years as a great, classic example of Sancerre.  It has a great flinty, almost - steely, slate and citrus nose.  Wonderful stone fruit and citrus on the palate.  This pale-straw wine has great acidity and is a bright, fresh wine to drink on a warm day.  

Chateau Soucherie Rosé de Loire 2008 ~ $16

Anjou, Anjou-Saumur

Cabernet Franc

Pale pink, almost salmon-colored Rose with orange and strawberry on the nose.  The palate was underwhelming, with a tangy, creamsicle edge that most were not fond of.  The clear loser of the tasting.  

Domaine de la Noblaie Les Chiens-Chiens 2006 ~ $18

Chinon, Touraine

Cabernet Franc

This slightly opaque, ruby colored Cabernet Franc is a lovely example of the varietal.  Medium-bodied it has aromas of raspberries and spice on the nose with a mineral, earthy edge on the palate.  This tight wine needed to open up a bit, but once it did, it was great.  

Domaine de la Chanteleuserie Cuvée Alouettes 2007 ~ $19

Bourgueil, Touraine

Cabernet Franc

Another long-time personal fave.  I find the Bourgueil to be a little more refined than the Chinon.  While a clear, deep red, it too exhibits raspberry-blackberry aromas and maybe even violets on the nose.  It has taut minerality with a nice peppery edge and an earthy finish.  For me, this is an elegant wine that has great acidity, moderate tannins and lovely fruit.  

~ All of these wines were sourced locally, in Austin.  Many thanks to Jayla, Chris, Erica, Dave, Kari, Dyan, Deborah, Stephen, Lindsey and Emma for joining me!