Exploring Loire Valley sparkling wines, from Côteaux du Vendômois, De Chanceny Vouvray and Crémant de Loire

The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its scenic beauty, rich history, and of course, the diversity of its wines. This region spans 57,000 hectares of vineyards, offering an impressive variety of grape varieties and terroirs. As the third largest appellation wine region in France, it boasts over 51 Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs) and four Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs). We are glad to introduce you the Loire Valley’s wine richness, since this vast territory benefits from a temperate climate, ideal for producing fresh, fruity, high-quality wines. By AP & AL

Indeed, the diversity of terroirs and grape varieties, the origin of the grapes and the appellation are essential factors that influence the character of the sparkling wines of the Loire Valley. For instance, the Crémant de Loire and Vouvray are two emblematic examples of this local richness.

For instance, Crémant de Loire, produced mainly in the south of Saumur, is grown on soils that mix clay, limestone and schist. It includes grape varieties, such as Chenin blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet franc (photo credits: De Chanceny).

In comparison, Vouvray wines are grown further east in Touraine, is based on a chalky matrix of tuffeau, enriched with clay, limestone and flint. This wine type is usually fully made from Chenin blanc, a grape variety that perfectly expresses the unique terroir of Vouvray.

The Vouvray vineyards extend over more than 2,000 hectares, mainly located on the right bank of the Loire river, upstream from Tours. This terroir is characterized by stony tuffeau hillsides interspersed with valleys, which gives those wines a distinctive minerality. Whereas, Crémant de Loire, on the other hand, is produced in an appellation area that extends over more than 250 kilometers, covering Anjou, Saumurois and Touraine regions. This vast territory explains thiswide diversity of soils, climates and grape varieties used for the production of this variety of sparkling wines. By the way, among the different producers in the region, De Chanceny stands out for its know-how in the production of sparkling wines, using the so-called traditional method.

Thus, since 1957, this wine house has embodied a complementary alliance between tradition and modernity, offering a varied range of Crémants de Loire and Vouvrays. Therefore, these fine bubbles of De Chanceny wines are made from the emblematic grape varieties of the region, starring Chenin blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet franc, before being aged for at least 12 months in tuffeau cellars, which gives them finesse and complexity. As far as we know, these wines, produced with care and patience, are the perfect companions to enhance moments of pleasure and tasting, whether it is an aperitif with friends or a refined dinner. 

Therefore, discover their Impétus 2016, a true gourmet cuvée, this Crémant de Loire is the result of a blend of several grape varieties, including Cabernet franc, Chardonnay, Chenin blanc and Grolleau. Aged for 60 months on slats, this wine is distinguished by its fine bubbles and its complex aromatic bouquet. The nose reveals notes of honey, fresh apricot and lime blossom, complemented by nuances of toasted brioche. On the palate, the wine is smooth, with a toasted finish and aromas of dried fruits, reflecting its long aging. This cuvée perfectly pairs with refined dishes, such as bass carpaccio or morel ravioli, thus enhancing memorable tasting moments.

Then, let’s take a Rendez-Vous with this eponym Vouvray brut cuvée, exclusively made from Chenin blanc, again reflecting the excellence of De Chanceny‘s know-how. The grapes come from clay-limestone and tuffeau terroirs, giving this cuvée a gentle maturity and a beautiful acidity. Aged for 48 months on slats, this wine is characterized by its fine, elegant bubbles and its rich aromatic bouquet, with notes of dried fruits and citrus fruits. Ideal to accompany a seared tuna steak with cumin or even seafood, this Vouvray will also enhance desserts, such as rhubarb and apricot crumbles or pies.

The Crémant de Loire Brut Excellence is a cuvée that embodies the perfect marriage between tradition and modernity. Composed of Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc grape varieties, it comes from vines, grown on tuffeau soils, an emblematic material of the Loire Valley. Manual harvests and low-temperature fermentation, preserve the delicate aromas of the wines. This Brut Excellence is distinguished by its golden color and fine bubbles, as well as by its complex nose, with notes of dried fruits, hazelnut and candied lemon. On the palate, the attack is ample and generous, with a beautiful aromatic persistence. This Crémant de Loire is perfect to accompany receptions and cocktails, with refined appetizers or red fruit desserts.

More details on their official website.

Another discovery, the wines of the Côteaux du Vendômois, in addition to Crémants and Vouvrays, the Loire valley offers other wine treasures, such as the wines of the Coteaux du Vendômois. This appellation, where Pineau d’Aunis is the flagship grape variety, is grown on Turonian limestone soils, covered with flint clay. This grape variety, grown almost exclusively in the Loir Valley, gives the wines a unique typicity. Therefore, the Pineau d’Aunis grapes, grown on hillsides, are exposed to the rising sun and benefiting from a favorable microclimate, produces fresh and fruity rosé wines. The Charme aux Dames Gris is a perfect example, offering a tea pink color and aromas of red fruits, liquorice and fresh mint. 

The existence of the Côteaux du Vendômois vineyard is found in a 10th century charter of donation, which mentions the presence of vines in Villedieu. Thus, Henri IV, for his part, particularly appreciated the wines of the Prépatour estate, located in the commune of Naveil. But it was not until the 19th century that the wine sector in the canton of Vendôme really took off.

This balanced and gourmet sparkling wine pairs ideally with aperitifs, such as salmon blinis or red fruit desserts. Therefore, from Crémant de Loire to Vouvray, including the various wines of the Côteaux du Vendômois, each bottle is the fruit of unique know-how and a passion for tradition. Whether you are a sparkling wine lover or simply curious, the Loire Valley wines would undoubtedly seduce you with their finesse, elegance and unique characters (photo credits: Côteaux du Vendômois).

More details on their official website.