France - Loire Wines in Israel

A long river valley of crisp whites, fragrant reds, chenin texture, and quietly versatile table wines.

The Loire is not one region so much as a chain of regions following France's longest river. From Muscadet near the Atlantic through Anjou, Saumur, Touraine, Sancerre, and Pouilly, the styles shift with climate, soil, and grape variety.

Chenin Blanc is the great shape-shifter, producing dry, sweet, still, and sparkling wines with apple, wool, honey, and high acidity. Sauvignon Blanc dominates the eastern Loire with citrus, grass, flint, and tension, while Cabernet Franc brings red fruit, herbs, and freshness.

Loire wines tend to be graceful and table-minded. They rarely need weight to be expressive, and their freshness makes them easy to pair with vegetables, goat cheese, fish, poultry, and lighter meats.

France - Loire Images