From June 16th through June 30th we will be tasting white wine from the Loire Valley, France. Often referred to as the "White Wine Heaven" the Loire Valley stretches across northwest France following the path of the Loire Valley.

You will find wines readily available and often at a very good price. They will range from Sancerre to Pouilly-Fume in the Upper Loire Region, Vouvray from the Central Loire Region and Muscadet which is most predominant in the Sevre-et-Maine AOC in the Pays Nantais Region of the Loire Valley.

Some names to look for include: Michel Redde, Domaine Des Baumard, Domaine Francis Blanchet, Vacheron, Champalou and if you wish to seek out the best, any wine from Domaine Didier Dagueneau and De Ladoucette will be top notch.

2005 Andre-Michel Bregeon Muscadet de Sevre-et-Maine

The Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie from Andre-Michel Bregeon in Gorges, France (Appelation Muscadet Sevre et Maine Controlee) pours out a pale gold in color with lovely clarity. On the nose aromas of lemon, apple, grass, wet slate and a little honey sweetness. Quite bracing acidity in the mouth with good minerality and flavors of lemon and tart apple. Moderate length finish. A very dry white wine that is quite refreshing and a good buy at $12.99. Should pair well with shellfish.

2006 Chateau de Montfort Vouvray

The Vouvray from Chateau de Montfort in Chancay, France (Appelation Vouvray Controlee) pours out a very pale straw in color with perfect clarity. On the nose aromas of apple, pear, citrus, peach and stone. In the mouth there is a nice acidity to balance this out and let it show just enough sweetness while staying on the dry side for a Chenin Blanc. Flavors of pear, peach, melon, honey and some green citrus. Quite tart on a moderate length finish. This wine truly is a good buy and $13.99 and if you look you can find it cheaper. Will pair nicely with fresh water fish, veal, chicken and perhaps spicy foods.

2007 Champalou Vouvray

The 2007 Vouvray from E.A.R.L. Champalou in Vouvray, France (Appelation Vouvray Controlee) pours out straw in color with good clarity. On the nose aromas of pear, apple, lemon, quince, some stone and fresh flowers. In the mouth this has just a touch of sweetness with a pretty crisp mouthfeel and nice acidity. Flavors of apple, lemon, tropical fruit and a little minerality. Decent length finish with the flavors hanging on and a slight tartness. This is a lovely wine that, at around $16.00 per 750ml bottle, is a good buy and is sure to please the palate.

The Montfort is a great summer wine I drink year round...Cheers,
R