Discover Loire & Alsace

In the wettest part of France, the North West, they call it 'The Garden of France' as it is the most green and lush. Here lies the Loire Valley, a grapegrowing area famous as the home of Sauvignon Blanc, a trendy grape variety currently receiving ample air-time in the world of wine. We'll look at Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé and talk about why so many people love this classic French grape then head to Tours for the birthplace of the versatile Chenin Blanc in Vouvray with comparisons to be found in Anjou to the sweet styles such as Coteaux du Layon. On the estuary of the Loire lies Nantes famous for the seafood matched classic, Muscadet, which will kick this great tasting off. There is one final element and that's the rising star of the mineral-earthy Cabernet Franc found in Chinon, well worth a taste!

Alsace in eastern France lies on the border of Germany and is as German as it is French in terms of population, architecture and its’ grape varieties. Germanic Riesling and Gewurztraminer are found here side-by-side with French Pinot Blanc and Gris all adding to a small-but-complex wine producing region offering the most aromatic and different styles in comparison to the rest of France. It unusual, its unique, its great.

Tasting Outlook (many treats from Jimmy's latest trip to the Loire!)

Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie
Sancerre/Pouilly-Fume
Vouvray Sec/Demi-Sec
Savennieres
Chinon
Riesling (Alsace)
Gewurztraminer (Alsace Grand Cru)
One premium wine to look forward to: Excellent aged Vouvray