Loire Valley Wines
White Wines of the Loire Valley
From crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complex Chenin Blanc, discover the grapes, regions and styles behind the Loire Valley's white wines.
What makes Loire Valley white wines distinctive?
Loire Valley white wines range from bright, mineral Sauvignon Blanc to textured Chenin Blanc capable of producing dry, sparkling and sweet styles.
Their character changes substantially across the region, making geography, grape variety and winemaking style important parts of understanding what is in the glass.
Sauvignon Blanc in the eastern Loire
Sauvignon Blanc is particularly important around Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé and several neighbouring appellations.
Differences in soil, vineyard position and winemaking help create noticeably different expressions even within a relatively compact part of the Loire Valley.
Explore the Sancerre wine region
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Loire Valley white wines
A few useful questions that often come up when exploring the region's white wines.
Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc are two of the Loire Valley's most important white varieties, while Melon de Bourgogne is particularly associated with Muscadet near the Atlantic coast.
No. The Loire produces dry, sparkling, off-dry and sweet white wines. Chenin Blanc in particular can produce a remarkably wide range of styles.
Sancerre is principally associated with Sauvignon Blanc, while Vouvray is based on Chenin Blanc. Their different grapes, geography and soils produce distinctly different styles.
From the vineyard to the glass
Explore Loire white wines on a private tour
Prefer to discover these wines where they're made? Choose a tour focused on a region, a grape or a winemaking style.
Sancerre
Explore the eastern Loire's Sauvignon Blanc, alongside the area's Pinot Noir and less familiar Chasselas.
View Sancerre tourSauvignon Blanc
Compare expressions of one grape across producers and vineyards, beyond a single appellation.
View Sauvignon Blanc tourChenin Blanc
Discover the variety behind Vouvray and the Loire's contrasting dry, sweet and sparkling wines.
View Chenin Blanc tourSparkling Wine
Focus on the Loire's traditional-method sparkling wines and the people who make them.
View sparkling wine tourPlan Your Loire Valley Visit
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Tell Colin what you’d like to see, taste and discover, and he’ll help create a private Loire Valley wine tour around you.
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