A few weeks ago Nancy headed down to the city for an event presented by Loire Valley Wines in conjunction with Sopexa. The event, presented by sommelier Marquita Levy, visited a variety of outdoor wine-bar patios around lower Manhattan via private pedicab. Shout out to all involved with this event who worked hard to make it unique and keep everyone safe during these strange, strange times. Inspired by that event, we’ve put together a few ways to deepen your knowledge of the Loire (and wine in general) right at home!

1 - Sancerre vs. Pouilly-Fumé

Marquita Levy, self-described dirt girl, knows a lot. For every wine tasted during the event she made a point of talking about the soils, temperature and other factors referred to as terroir. This is one of the most-heard words in wine and is defined as “the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate.” When it comes to the Loire one of the things to know is that there is a ton of soil-type diversity which means the wines, even when made from the same grapes using the same methods, have a very different feel. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, you can experience the difference soil makes in wine.

Go to your local wine shop and pick up two bottles of Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley—a Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. If possible get the same vintage and producer. Grab two glasses and pour yourself a taste of each, at around 45 degrees. Just pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to cool it down.

Both will have green notes (think freshly-cut grass) and some grapefruit. Overall, the taste is similar. The differences from soil are where things get interesting. The Sancerre should feel like it’s ready to jump around. The French refer to this acidity in Loire Valley wines as nervosité. It’s really excited for you to drink it. This is from the limestone in Sancerre.

Pouilly-Fumé, while tasting similar, will be a bit softer and have a smoky or flinty note thanks to the silex soils.

2 - A Rosé by any Other Name…

…would not smell the same.

There’s something about Loire Valley rosé. We get it, there’s also something about Provençal rosé, but trust us when we encourage experimentation. Grab a Sancerre rosé and one from Provence. Chill to about 45 degrees.

Sancerre, known for its Sauv Blanc also makes incredible rosé from 100% Pinot Noir (think cherries!). Taste it against a rosé from Provence and note the differences. First, the color! The Sancerre will have richer color. It’s pretty interesting to think about considering that it’s made from Pinot, which is far lighter when red than the GSM blends found in Provence’s rosé.

The differences move into the tasting experience, too. The Sancerre is going to be bigger. There’s some heft to it and a tartness and minerality from the cooler climate and limestone soils.

Sancerre rosé is excellent for pairing with salads and seafood so there is no better pairing than a salad nicçoise on hearty toast.

There are also excellent rosé from the region labeled as rosé d’Anjou. These are made primarily using the little known Grolleau Noir. They experience extended skin contact. The most prestigious are labeled Cabernet d’Anjou and made from a blend of red grapes.

3 - Take a Chance on Chenin

Chenin Blanc doesn’t get enough credit. Yeah, we said it. Luckily, the Loire Valley has a few examples of this lesser-known white grape that you should taste and enjoy.

The grape, which is vital to the Loire, is all about apples. Aromas include baked and bruised apples of all colors. Add to that honey, quince, pear, ginger, tropical fruit—this grape is versatile, similar to Riesling. It can be made into everything from dry to sweet with stops in between and like Semillon, is sometimes able to develop botrytis to make naturally-sweet dessert wines.

To explore Chenin, we recommend grabbing a Crémant de Loire and Vouvray.

Crémant is France’s designation for sparkling wine made in France outside of Champagne and the Loire’s take on it is brilliant. You can find those that are 100% Chenin but we love a blend, like Langlois-Chateau. It’s 60% Chenin Blanc, 20% Chardonnay, 20% Cabernet Franc. Nancy’s note for this brilliant example is, “Rich pineapple, honey, lime candy, killer minerality.” The nice acidity and minerality are thanks to a cool climate and crushed stone.

Pair your Crémant de Loire with crusty bread, sardines and fresh white cheeses.

Try it next to Vouvray which is going to give you similar flavors but will be 100% Chenin and still. It’s aromatic and round but with lovely acidity. It pairs insanely well mushrooms, especially king oyster mushrooms and add a little sesame for the perfect pop.

4 - Lady in Red

It’s not a surprise that white wines come to mind the second someone says “Loire,” but don’t skip the red wines, specifically those from Saumur-Champigny and Chinon. Grab two and let’s taste for another study in terroir! Chill these down to about 55 degrees—lighter-bodied reds are even better chilly!

Both of these wines are made primarily from Cabernet Franc, which is a perfect wine to take you into fall. It’s got lots of red fruit, you can easily pick out strawberries and plums but also notes of roasted red bell peppers. Picture or think about these when tasting and also look for notes of crushed gravel and red pepper flakes. Is your mouth watering yet? It should be, because… well, hold off on the food for now.

This is a real fun comparative tasting and you should bounce between glasses (just sniff your shirt in between to reset your brain and nose). The Saumur-Champigny will give you a lighter body with notes of candied violets (image them coated in simple syrup and set atop a cake). It’s nuanced and balanced and don’t think because it’s lighter in body that it’s not a serious wine. It is.

If Saumur-Champigny is flirting with you, Chinon is full-on seducing you with its graphite and raspberry. Notes of dried fruit contrast with the acidity.

As we hinted at before, the Loire Valley’s red wines are so ready for food. Just put together a charcuterie and you’ll see!

Well?

Now you’ve got four Loire-themed exercises to try out. You’ll definitely understand terroir better and we bet you’ll also find a new fav wine to pull out while entertaining. Loire Valley wines are easy to find, exceptionally priced and just waiting for you to explore them. Want to learn even more about the Loire? Book our newest tasting, “With Love From, The Loire” for a deep dive!

To learn more about the Loire Valley be sure to follow them on Instagram and also follow #loirelovers to see Loire Valley-related content from other accounts.

Put this region on your must-visit list—Nancy spent about a week there in 2018 and it was incredible. There’s so much to do, taste and see and the wine is so diverse that it’s impossible to regret a trip to the Loire Valley!