Loire Valley

The Loire Valley follows the river from the Atlantic near Nantes to the centre of France. Its oceanic climate, with mild winters, turns continental further east, with wider temperature swings. On the granite and gneiss around Nantes, Melon de Bourgogne makes Muscadet; Anjou, Saumur and Touraine are the realm of Chenin Blanc and of Cabernet Franc, for reds and rosés, and in the Centre-Loire, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé make Sauvignon Blanc whites.