Muscadet
We begin the Loire where it ends, at the Atlantic, with four Muscadets from four communal crus, made by two producers devoted to Melon de Bourgogne.
Chapter II
Loire
PlannedWest to east along the river, from Muscadet at the Atlantic edge to Sauvignon Blanc at Sancerre, with Chenin Blanc carrying the middle.
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Savennières & Bonnezeaux
From Muscadet we move east into Anjou, where Chenin Blanc turns serious. Four dry Savennières, including both of its named crus, then a glass of Bonnezeaux to end on something sweet.
Saumur & Champigny
Saumur in three registers: a traditional-method sparkling, a Crémant blanc de blancs, and two vintages of Cabernet Franc from Saumur-Champigny three years apart.
Vouvray & Montlouis
Vouvray and Montlouis face each other across the river and both work Chenin Blanc through every register it has: dry, off-dry and sweet. Four wines from four producers who take that range seriously.
Chinon & Bourgueil
We open with a sparkling Vouvray, then move into Cabernet Franc country: Chinon, Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, three neighbouring villages on different gravels.
Sancerre & Pouilly-Fumé
We close the Loire where Sauvignon Blanc settled in for good: Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre, facing each other across the river. A Dagueneau, and two vintages of Sancerre six years apart to see what age does to the grape.