KATRIN: It is somewhat surprising that wines from the Loire Valley are not more popular in the United States. As the largest wine producing region in France, the Loire’s weather and soils vary widely, allowing it to produce a diverse range of wines – red, white, and rosé; still and sparkling; dry to sweet. The high quality of so many of these wines and their relatively reasonable prices make them a great value.
This summer Glenn and I very much enjoyed a tasting of wines from the Jon-David Headrick Selection and Glenn wrote a great Plonk Patrol featuring the lovely Loire, so it seems that we have a bit of a theme going. When the opportunity to attend the Loire Valley Wine Tasting at the W Hotel in Boston yesterday arose, we jumped at the chance to learn more about wines from this region. Sponsored by the Loire Valley Wine Bureau, the tasting featured about 200 selections from 22 importers and distributors.
Glenn: Yes, the Loire is a theme that has run through my wine appreciation. Furthermore, I have somewhat of a history with the Loire Valley Wine Bureau. Many years ago, I attended the first expo sponsored by the Bureau at Boston University. At that point, Loire wines weren’t on American wine radar; the purpose of that expo to connect producers from the Loire with American importers. At this year’s Boston Wine Expo, I attended a guided tasting presented by the Loire Valley Wine Bureau which showcased the major grapes and styles of Loire wines. Times have changed and now these wines have importers and a selection – though often small – can be found in most wine shops. And with wine tastes evolving, more will surely follow for these are wines that are approachable, ready-to-be-drunk and enjoyed.
Katrin: There were many outstanding wines, but if I had to narrow it down, here are my top three highlights:
Ed Peterson pouring wines from Cynthia Hurley French Imports
- First, as a big fan of Cynthia Hurley’s wine selections and writing, I was delighted to see such a broad selection of her wines on hand. From the many excellent wines represented, I particularly enjoyed the Couly-Dutheil Chinon Blanc de Francs, a white still wine made from 100% Cabernet Franc.
- Second, Laurent Noblet, who hosted the Jon-David Headrick tasting at Brix several weeks back, poured an expanded selection from the company’s portfolio.
- And last, but certainly not least, is seeing Fred Ek, of Ex Cellars Wine, a legend in the area of French wine importing, who Glenn and I remember from our BU wine studies program, where he had been a guest presenter. It is always a pleasure to talk to him and taste his wines!
Favorite reds – 2004 Couly-Dutheil Chino Clos de l’Echo (Cynthia Hurley French Wines) and 2006 Chateau de Sancerre Red (Marnier-Lapostolle Inc.)
Arnaud Saget of Guy Saget Wines talks about the differences in soil and terroir
Favorite whites – 2008 Domaine Fournier Cuvée Silex Sancerre (David Milligan Selections) and 2008 Guy Saget Domaine Saget Pouilly Fumé
Favorite sparkling wines –Langlois-Chateau Brut Rosé Crémant de Loire (Terlato Wines International) and Francois Chidaine Brut Montlouis-sur-Loire (Ideal Wine & Spirits)
GLENN: For me, the highlight was the relaxed atmosphere of the tasting and the opportunity to talk with the importers and winemakers in a professional setting. Arnaud Saget was particularly informative and charming. As for the wines, these were my favorites.
Fave Red - 2006 Chateau de Sancerre Red (Marnier-Lapostolle) - this pinot noir stood out in the field of Cabernet Francs; and from among those Cab Francs, the 2007 Domaine de la Noblaie Les Chiens-Chiens Chinon (Jon-David Headrick Selections).
Fave White – 2007 Domaine Sylvain Bailly La Gallette Sancerre, as the name suggests, the richness of a rustic tart (Arborway Importers).
Fave Sparkler – Though Katrin liked the rose from this producer, I favored the white – Langlois Chateau Brut Cremant de Loire (Terlato Wines International)
However, the most outstanding wine of the tasting for me was a sweet wine being offered by the legendary Fred Ek – 2007 Domaine des Baumard Quarts de Chaume (Ex Cellars Wine).
Kudos to the Loire Valley Wine Bureau for such a well-run event and kudos to the W for great service and food.
