White Loire Wines
Still white wines from the Loire: Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, Chenin Blanc from Saumur.
What defines white Loire
Two grapes carry the white wines of the Loire. In the east, in the Centre-Loire, Sauvignon Blanc makes Sancerre and, across the river, Pouilly-Fumé. Limestone, marl and flint give it a taut, mineral line, with citrus, white flowers and a smoky edge in the flintier sites. In the west, around Saumur, Chenin Blanc grows on tuffeau, the region's soft limestone, and gives whites of real density and acidity, with quince, citrus peel and a chalky finish.
How to choose
Vincent Pinard is our reference in Sancerre, with a range that runs from the multi-parcel Florès, Nuance and Harmonie to single sites such as Chêne Marchand, Grand Chemarin, Petit Chemarin, Les Creots and Le Château. De Ladoucette's Pouilly-Fumé shows the same grape across the river in a smokier register. In Saumur, Thierry Germain's Domaine des Roches Neuves, farmed biodynamically, offers L'Insolite, L'Échelier, Clos Romans and Terres, alongside Clos du Moulin. Chenin from these sites is serious white wine in the same sense as a Côte de Beaune.
How long to keep and how to serve
Our cellar notes give 2 to 6 years for the entry Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, 5 to 12 years for Pinard's single sites, and up to 15 years for the top Saumur Chenin. Serve between 12 and 14 °C. Sauvignon suits goat cheese, shellfish and grilled fish; Chenin suits richer fish, white meat in cream sauce and Asian dishes.
Sparkling Chenin from Saumur and Vouvray is listed separately from these still whites.