Described as 'one of the most exciting white wines in France', Muscadet is very much representative of the Atlantic coast on which it is produced - and unsurprisingly pairs beautifully with the exquisite seafood of the Breton coast. Home to a broad variety of soils, which result in a surprisingly diverse range of wines, Muscadet is also typically more affordable than comparable wines from other regions.
Muscadet Facts
- Muscadet's mineral quality is part of the reason it's such a great match for seafood
- Muscadet is commonly aged 'sur lie' meaning that it is aged on suspended dead yeast particles (lees). This gives a creamy texture and lager-like taste profile.
Dominant Flavours
Lime, Lemon, Green Apple, Green Pear, Sea Shell
Muscadet
Where to try Muscadet
The Lighterman, Frederick's, The Charles Lamb, Sardine, The Commissary, Barge East & Gotto
Our favourite retail bottles
Muscadet, Celliers de la Roche Auguste Bonhomme
Drouet Freres / via Slurp
Louis Métaireau Grand Mouton Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie / via Vivino
Vignerons du Pallet "Julibation" Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie / via Connollys
Domaine Gadais La Grande Réserve du Moulin
/ via Laithwaites
Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie, Domaine des Ratelles / via The Wine Society
Crémant de Loire
Crémant de Loire predominantly uses Chenin Blanc grapes, which give the wine wonderful flavours of lemon, quince, pear, honey and chamomile, making it quite different to other sparkling wines. Crémant de Loire is generally considered one of the most approachable sparkling wines, palatable and pleasing.
Crémant de Loire Facts
- The Loire Valley is the second largest producer of sparkling wine in France.
- Crémant's name literally means 'creamy', a reference to the wonderful texture and fine bubbles typical of Crémant de Loire.
- Crémant is made using the same methode traditionelle as Champagne. Many famous Champagne Houses also make Crémant de Loire
Dominant Flavours
White fleshed fruits, Lemon Balm, Hazelnuts, Almonds, Vanilla
Where to try Crémant de Loire
Craft, The Trafalgar Tavern, Bōkan, Bedales of Borough, Lupins, Dalston Roof Park
Our favourite retail bottles
Crémant de Loire Brut, De Chanceny / via Great Western Wines
LDomaine du Landreau Crémant de Loire Morin Brut / via Hennings
Château de l'Aulée Crémant de Loire / via Averys
Langlois Château, "L'Extra" Crémant de Loire Brut
/ via Majestic
Maison Ackermann Crémant de Loire / via Hayward Bros
Rosé du Val de Loire
The Rosés of the Loire Valley are enormously varied, reflecting the incredible range of climates and terroirs packed into the (relatively) small area the wines are produced in. They range in colour from pale rose to raspberry, with a glimmer or orange, and are generally light, supple, delicate and very refreshing.
Rosé du Val de Loire Facts
- Rosés du Val de Loire are generally best enjoyed young, perfectly chilled to 8 degrees.
- If you've ever wondered what wine to pair with more informal foods, Rosé du Val de Loire is the answer: it's a great match for pizza, salad and barbecue.
- The pink of Rosé du Val de Loire wine comes from the grape skins being left in with the juice during the fermentation process. It is not, as commonly believed, a mix of red and white wines.
Dominant Flavours
Strawberries, Raspberries, Redcurrants, Violets, Acid Drops
Where to try Rosé du Val de Loire
Pall Mall Fine Wines, The London Edition, Frog by Adam Handling, Eve Bar, The Victorian Bath House
Our favourite retail bottles
Château de Mauny, Rosé d'Anjou / via Fullaloves
Rosé d'Anjou, Famille Bougrier/ via
Rosé d'Anjou, Chateau de Bellevue / via PDN
Rosé d'Anjou 1789 / via Gerrys
Rosé d'Anjou, "Champ d'Oiseaux" Domaine
des Trottieres / via Vinatis
Touraine Sauvignon Blanc is very different to other white wines, due to its herbaceous, green flavours. Touraine is a cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc, and is considered one of the best in the world.
Touraine Sauvignon Blanc Facts
- Many Touraine Sauvignon Blancs are barrel fermented and aged on lees (old yeast), giving a rich, creamy texture. Some are further aged on oak, adding more complex flavours.
- Franec is the largest producer of Sauvignon Blanc, and most of that production takes place in the Loire Valley.
Dominant Flavours
Touraine Sauvignon Blanc
Where to try Touraine Sauvignon Blanc
The Phene, Beaufort House, The Hour Glass, The Ladbroke Arms, The Waterway, La Ferme Primrose Hill, Percy & Founders, Noizé
Our favourite retail bottles
Patrick Vauvy Domaine Bellevue Sauvignon Touraine / via Vivino
Domaine Joël Delaunay, "La Voûte" Chenonceaux Touraine/ via Vivino
François Chainier, "Seraph" Sauvignon Blanc
/ via Mail Wine Club
Guy Allion Touraine Sauvignon / via Buon Vino
Lacheteau Touraine Sauvignon Blanc / via Ocado