The Loire Valley

Is the Loire the most underrated wine region in France? We believe it is. It’s a region I’ve championed since my early 20s, largely due to its exciting diversity of wine styles. Now in my 40s, I still feel that Loire wines don’t receive the recognition they deserve. Whilst Bordeaux and Burgundy get all the accolades, aside from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, many wines and styles are overlooked in terms of greatness.

Jancis Robinson puts it in the best possible way: “This may be partly because the Loire’s best red wines are often distinguished by their delicacy rather than by their weight and longevity, and because so many of its finest white wines are made solely from Chenin Blanc, a grape variety associated with very ordinary wine outside the middle Loire.”

Of course, this is where the fertile terroir and climate are key – it isn’t known as the ‘garden of France’ for nothing! The ordinary Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc that are made elsewhere around the world are made into world-class wines in the Loire. Don’t believe us? Try them and see. You won’t look back.

Fortunately, here at de Burgh, we are all on the same wavelength about the Loire. We really enjoy finding new and interesting wine producers who showcase the grape varieties and terroir.

The region spans 600 miles from the west Atlantic coast to the upper Loire, which borders Burgundy. Of course, the river Loire literally runs through it. It is the third-largest wine-producing region in France, with 4,000+ wineries across 80+ appellations. Extremely diverse!

Upper Loire

Famous for Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Menetou-Salon, and Coteaux du Giennois.

In recent years, global demand for Sancerre has risen, but with supply shortages, this has in turn led to extremely high prices. It is unfortunate that you now won’t find a ‘bargain’ Sancerre anymore, but there are still great wines to be had. Try: Sancerre Domaine Michel Girard 2025.

Pouilly-Fumé, an appellation on the opposite side of the Loire River, still offers great value for money. Wines from here benefit from the flinty soil, which gives extra minerality. Try – Domaine Sébastien Treuillet Pouilly-Fumé 2025

For a delicious red, made from 80% Pinot Noir & 20% Gamay from Coteaux du Giennois, try – Coteaux du Giennois Rouge Domaine Sebastien Treuillet 2022

Middle Loire

The Loire Valley encompasses the subregions of Anjou, Saumur and Touraine, which truly represent the heart of the region.

If you’re looking for outstanding value, you cannot go wrong with Sauvignon Blanc from this area. In fact, we would go as far as to say that the Chenonceau Blanc from Domaine Mandard is as good, if not better, than a Sancerre!

Try – Touraine Chenonceaux Blanc Domaine Mandard 2023

For a cheaper yet excellent alternative, try – Touraine Sauvignon Blanc Domaine Mandard 2025

Domaine Mandard is a forward-thinking producer of wines that are modern while still respecting their sense of tradition and diverse styles.

You can browse his various wine styles here, including Touraine Brut, Crémant, Gamay, Chenin Blanc and an indigenous variety from the area called Orbois!

The area around the town of Saumur is the largest sparkling wine appellation in France, second only to Champagne.

If you are looking for a fantastic value Crémant de Loire, try de Chanceny Brut and Rosé – they offer seriously enjoyable bubbles!

To the north of Saumur, you’ll find Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil and Bourgueil.  The stunning small town of Chinon sits to the east. Both areas produce the majority of the Loire’s red wine production with Cabernet Franc – a lighter-style red with red fruit flavours. This is another grape variety/style that is massively underrated! We love how Cabernet Franc is so versatile.

Another producer we work very closely with is Frederic Mabileau.  Although Frederic tragically passed away several years ago, his wife and sons have successfully taken over and continuously strive for innovation and quality.

If you enjoy Cabernet Franc, try – Frederic Mabileau Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil ‘Les Rouilleres’ 2023

For something a bit lighter, try – Frederic Mabileau FRED 2023

If you like Pet Nat (Pétillant Naturel), he has two excellent options. The Pet’Nath Anima is made from Chenin Blanc, and the Pet’Nath Mundi is made from Pinot d’Aunis- a very light red variety predominantly grown around the Loire Valley.

Chinon is a notable region for producing red wine, particularly Cabernet Franc. The wines from this area tend to be a bit more traditional and serious in style. Cabernet Franc ages exceptionally well and you can find some excellent examples of aged Cabernet Franc from Chinon.

From Chinon, try – Bruno Sourdais Chinon ‘Le Clos’ 2014

The Anjou area centres around the town of Angers, mostly producing Rosé d’Anjou or Cabernet d’Anjou.Additionally, the Savennières and Coteaux du Layon areas are famous for producing some of the finest Chenin Blanc wines in the world. These wines range from dry to sweet and have excellent ageing potential.

Lower Loire

As we continue west along the Loire, we arrive in Pays Nantais, close to Nantes, the former capital of Brittany. In wine terms, this coastal area is best known for Muscadet, made from the white grape Melon de Bourgogne. Its proximity to the Atlantic helps shape Muscadet’s distinctive style: crisp, mineral, and often lifted by a saline finish. It is little wonder, then, that it pairs so beautifully with seafood.

For delicious Muscadet try – Domaine Les Trois Toits Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie 2024

For something  a bit different, try – Domaine Les Trois Toits Gros Plant 2025

Or for a red from Nantais, try – Domaine Les Trois Toits ‘Red Hot’ (Gamay/Cot) 2025

Holidays in the Loire

If you haven’t already visited, we highly recommend a holiday or short break in the Loire Valley. It is a large region to explore, so choose a town or area as your base, and you won’t be disappointed. There are countless places to discover from west to east, which is why we keep going back.

Think chocolate-box towns such as Amboise, Chinon and Saumur; majestic châteaux scattered throughout the valley; medieval villages like Mareuil-sur-Cher and Sancerre perched on rolling hillsides; and lively cities such as quirky Nantes and elegant Angers.

Let’s not forget about the delicious wine and gastronomy that make this region the ultimate destination!