Loire

The Loire Valley is the largest, most balanced, and most diverse wine region in France. Located along the river of the same name in western France, it winds its way from the Atlantic coast near Nantes to Orléans and Bourges, deep in the heart of France. Along this route, the wine region is divided into four sub-regions, each with its own character, traditions, and, of course, flagship wines.

Along the Atlantic coast, Muscadet – incidentally, not related to Muscat – is particularly prevalent, while in the Anjou-Soumour region, rosé wines and Crémants made from Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc are more common. The latter two also dominate in the Touraine region, until the Centre-Loire, the world's stronghold of Sauvignon Blanc, rises up.