Wines of the Loire Valley

(Paperback)

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Wines of the Loire Valley provides an up-to-date guide to the wines of this historic region. The hallmark of Loire wines is their balance between succulent fruit and refreshing acidity but the Loire Valley encompasses a vast array of wines, not only the well-known and trusted names but many more little known, overlooked and undervalued. The complex patchwork of vineyards that extends more than 500 kilometres along Frances longest river is a haven of discovery for wine lovers. The Loire's winemakers are at the forefront of the move towards a more natural approach to winegrowing, making it a preferred choice for anyone looking for organic, biodynamic and natural wines. While higher-profile regions are struggling with rising temperatures and excessive alcohol levels, the cooler vineyards of the Loire are benefiting from warmer vintages. The first part of the book covers the Loire Valley's history and presents an overview of the region, the grape varieties used, the wine styles produced, and the viticulture and vinification of the Loire Valley. The second part profiles the main regions and the individuals shaping the vinous landscape of the Loire Valley today, from Muscadet on the Atlantic coast, through Pouilly-Fum and Sancerre in Centre Loire, to Ctes dAuvergne in the Upper Loire. A final chapter gives an overview of Loire vintages.

Author Bio

Beverley Blanning MW is an independent writer, judge, tour guide, speaker and educator. She is the author of Teach Yourself Wine Tasting and Biodynamics in Wine and has written for numerous publications globally. She became a Master of Wine in 2001 and won the Villa Maria and Errazuriz Awards for papers on viticulture and the business of wine.