Wines of the Loire Valley (English edition) by Beverley Blanning

Wines of the Loire Valley by Beverley Blanning is an essential book for all wine enthusiasts wishing to learn more about this emblematic wine region. The Loire Valley, stretching over 500 kilometers along France's longest river, is a true land of discovery.

In this book, the author delves into the world of Loire wines, known for their balance between fruity aromas and refreshing acidity. While famous names like Muscadet, Pouilly-Fumé, or Sancerre come to mind immediately, the book also reveals lesser-known but equally exceptional wines, often undervalued and worth discovering.

A Historical and Technical Exploration

The first part of this book immerses us in the rich history of the Loire Valley, explaining how viticultural practices have evolved over the centuries. You will discover the emblematic grape varieties, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc, as well as the diversity of wine styles produced, ranging from crisp whites to elegant reds, not to mention sparkling crémants.

Beverley Blanning offers a detailed insight into the practices of viticulture and wine-making in this region, highlighting the growing commitment of winemakers to environmentally friendly techniques. The Loire Valley is indeed at the forefront of organic, biodynamic, and natural viticulture, offering wines that captivate with their authenticity.

Wine Regions and Passionate Artisans

In the second part, the author profiles the main wine regions of the Loire and the artisans who shape this unique wine landscape. From Muscadet on the Atlantic coast to Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé in the Centre-Loire, to the mountainous region of the Côtes d'Auvergne in the Haute-Loire, each vineyard is an invitation to explore varied terroirs and exceptional wines.

Blanning highlights the producers who innovate while preserving traditions, revealing the impact of climatic conditions on wine production. While some more famous regions face challenges related to climate change, the cooler vineyards of the Loire benefit from warmer harvests to express greater aromatic complexity.

The Vintages of the Loire

A final valuable chapter offers an overview of the main vintages of the Loire, providing benchmarks for those wishing to buy or taste wines from the best years.

With its 320 richly illustrated color pages, Wines of the Loire Valley is much more than just a guide. It is an immersion into a wine region in full swing, where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously.

Product Features

• Title: Wines of the Loire Valley
• Author: Beverley Blanning
• Series: The Classic Wine Library
• Format: Broché / Paperback
• Pages: 320 pages
• Illustrations: 30 color illustrations
• Publisher: Académie du Vin Library Limited
• Publication Date: October 17, 2024
• Language: English
• Dimensions: 155 x 233 x 31 mm
• Weight: 546 g
• ISBN: 9781913141905