This exceptional Cabernet Franc is ripe and juicy. It has a fabulous bouquet of summer berries that continue on to the palate. There is also a herbal note in the background, and on the palate it has a delightfully smooth finish. This is a great introduction to the red wines of this part of the Loire Valley, most of which are produced from the Cabernet Franc grape.

This is a great little Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc. It may not quite be a Sancerre but it still shows some fresh gooseberry and a hint of riper tropical fruit. There is a subtle herbal note on the finish, which is classic Sauvignon, and the acidity gives it a fresh lift at the end. This is definitely a wine to have in the rack as it will appeal to many white wine fans.

Made from the dominant local red grape in the Loire, Cabernet Franc. A delicious, light and fruity sparkling wine. Intensive pink colour with silver tints, fines bubbles. The nose is elegant with rose flower aromas showing signs of the soil's origin. It's matured for 2 years in deep caves carved into the limestone cliffs overlooking the famous Valley, which give the wine a softer, easier-drinking style than many sparkling wines from the region.

A wonderfully fresh and zesty Sauvignon Blanc with a vibrant citrus zing to it.

This is from Jean-Pierre Sauvion, who almost single handedly is bringing the historic Haut-Poitou appellation back from near extinction. Based close to the city of Poitiers it is one of the most southerly Loire appellations and one that enjoys a good level of sunshine. Sauvignon Blanc is the key white grape here and in the last decade the wine quality has rocketed. We're very excited about the future of Haut-Poitou if this wine is anything to go by.

The Pouilly-Fume from Domaine du Petit Soumade is just about as good as Sauvignon Blanc gets. It's aromatic and intense, with citrus and tropical fruit aromas leading to a palate that is fresh and vibrant.

This a very expressive Loire Valley Chenin Blanc. It has a generous weight and richness with a wonderful combination of quince, dried fruits and a hint of elderflower on the palate. 

Chateau de Montgueret Saumur Brut is made from Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay grapes and bottle-fermented in the Traditional Method. Matured for two years in deep caves carved into the limestone cliffs overlooking the Loire. Made in a somewhat softer, easier-drinking style than many sparkling wines from the Loire.

Bursting with aromas of ripe melon and white apple alongside a hint of tropical sweetness. Clean, linear and elegant in style, the palate sees zesty citrus flavours with tropical nuances supported by a mineral tone throughout.

Domaine Ducroux is a ten hectare estate based in Crezancy. The vineyard is situated on clay and limestone soil, part of which contains some small pebbles, and this is where the Sauvignon is planted; helping to add ripeness and bring out some of the variety�s fruit character in the wine. Incredibly the estate has been in the family since 1643 and Laetitia Ducroux, the current owner and winemaker, is the 11th generation, and first woman, to run the domaine.

This off-dry style of Chenin Blanc has just the right balance of sweetness and acidity ensuring that it still retains a freshness. There are classic Chenin flavours of apple and quince with a hint of citrus in the background. Wines with this level of sweetness are excellent accompaniments to slightly spicy and aromatic cuisine, but don't be shy of serving it as an aperitif, as it slips down very easily.

This is far more than your average Muscadet. The village of Vallet is one of the best areas of Muscadet, hence they proudly state the village on the label, and this wine has undergone an astonishing 18 months lees ageing to give it depth and complexity. It has a creamier texture than most Muscadets and a lovely combination of ripe melon and slight brioche notes on the palate.

This delightful dry Chenin Blanc from the Loire is an excellent introduction to this wonderful, yet often overlooked, grape variety. Although there is a lovely, crunchy apple, acidity to the wine, it has the texture to balance. Alongside the apple is a slightly richer, ripe melon and quince note that fits perfectly.

An exceptional Sancerre from a grand Loire producer. A very expressive nose of exotic fruits like pineapple, mango and grapefruit. On the palate this is a very fat and aromatic wine with a nice acidity to bring freshness.

 

A delightful sweet, but not overly sweet, Chenin from this small Loire Valley appellation. At 20 years old it is still in great condition, with some lovely toasty, caramelised orange peel flavours and even a slightly nutty note in the background. It has a generous texture, but a good seam of acidity keeps it fresh. 

The Château de Fesles Anjou Rouge is a deep red colour. The well-balanced nose contains aromas of ripe red fruit. Very good attack on the palate with plenty of substance, this full-bodied, elegant wine has a good persistence after tasting. Serve between 13°C and 16°C. The perfect accompaniment to cold meats, red meat, small game, soft cheese and bloomy rind cheese.