Spring Wines from Loire

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If you are looking to spruce up your wine list for spring, you definitely want to consider the wines of the Loire Valley.

The Loire Valley is in northwestern France – a cool climate growing area that produces wines known for their crisp acidity which makes them exceptionally food friendly. The Loire has a diverse range of wines that includes sparkling, white, Rose, red and, of course, luscious dessert wines. Three of my favorite Loire white wines are Muscadet, Rose d’Anjou and Savennieres.

Muscadet is a Loire Valley wine region that focuses on making bright, high acid, white wines from the Melon de Bourgogne grape. Muscadet is known for its minerality with a backbone of acidity that makes this wine a natural pairing for oysters and all things seafood. The best vineyards are in the area around the Sevre and Maine rivers and are labeled “Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine.”  Some Muscadet will be labeled sur lie to indicate the significant amount of time spent aging on their lees. Lees are the dead yeast cells that are leftover from fermentation. Aging the wine on its lees will add additional complexity, character and taste. There are some excellent small producers that focus on making high quality Muscadet wines including Marc Olivier, Andre-Michel Brégeon, Luneau-Papin and Chateau du Cleray.

Another great way to help your guests kick off spring is with Rosé. The Anjou region of the Loire is known for its easy going Roses that have a touch of sweetness.  Rosé d’Anjou can be made from a blend of grape varieties, including the relatively obscure Pineau d’aunis or Grolleau, as well as the more familiar Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec or Gamay. These wines have aromas of cherry and berries with enough acidity to balance the sweetness. There are wine snobs who turn up their noses at pink wine but don’t be one of them if you want to please your guests.  Rosé d’Anjou is a great pairing for barbeque, spicy cuisine like Asian food, as well as seafood dishes. What producers look for include Marquis de Goulaine, Sauvion, Remy Pannier and Monmousseau.

Savennieres is also an area in the Anjou region that makes a more serious white wine from the Chenin Blanc grape. This small appellation is known for its bone dry Chenin Blancs that, with age, develop honeyed, creamy whites that also have citrus flavors and, you guessed it, crisp acidity. Although not aged in oak barrels, Savennieres will appeal to wine lovers who enjoy the creamy richness of oak aged whites. These are complex wines that improve with age, unlike most white wines. Great with seafood, Savennieres also has enough body to stand up to poultry and pork. Once you’ve tasted a great Savennieres, you will have a hard time finding anything else like it. Producers to try include Domaine des Baumard, Domaine du Closel and Chateau d’Epire.

  • Imperial Dade
  • Texas Pete
  • McKee Foodservice
  • Simplot Frozen Avocado
  • RAK Porcelain
  • DAVO Sales Tax
  • T&S Brass Eversteel Pre-Rinse Units
  • Inline Plastics Safe-T-Chef
  • RATIONAL USA
  • Atosa USA
  • Day & Nite
  • BelGioioso Burrata
  • AyrKing Mixstir
  • Red Gold Sacramento

The wines of the Loire Valley are among some of the best in the world and they are tailor made for spring. Adding these wines to your wine list will give your guests a tour of the Loire Valley by glass with stops in Muscadet, Rosé d’Anjou and Savennieres. Bon Voyage!

  • Inline Plastics Safe-T-Chef
  • T&S Brass Eversteel Pre-Rinse Units
  • Day & Nite
  • RATIONAL USA
  • BelGioioso Burrata
  • Simplot Frozen Avocado
  • Imperial Dade
  • RAK Porcelain
  • DAVO Sales Tax
  • McKee Foodservice
  • Atosa USA
  • Red Gold Sacramento
  • Texas Pete
  • AyrKing Mixstir