Serving Up the Loire Sommeliers Delve Beyond Sauvignon Blanc

摘要

Even the most widely planted grapes of the Loire Valley-Melon de Bourgogne and Chenin Blanc among whites, Cabernet Franc for reds-have only a vaguely familiar ringfor most Americans. Next come the truly obscure, like Folle-Blanche and Romorantin, Pineau d'Aunis and Grolleau. Sauvignon Blanc is probably the Loire's most recognized variety, however it accounts for only 22% of white grapes. The eclectic nature of the Loire Valley, with over a dozen grapes contributing to red, white, rose and sparkling, ranging from dry to sweet spreading across 65 appellations, is precisely why you should consider adding these wines to your wine list. With so many incomparable offerings, the Loire Valley is often able to fill a niche that no other wine region can do.