Ask a sommelier what they drink on their day off and more often than not, the answer is the Loire Valley. Why? Exceptional value, deep history, incredible diversity, and food-pairing perfection. From crisp Muscadet to age-worthy Chenin Blanc and soulful Cabernet Franc, the Loire delivers serious pedigree without the pretense—or the price tag. Below, you’ll find some of our most exciting discoveries, from under-the-radar gems to cellar-worthy icons.
Read MoreTucked away in the northwest corner of the Loire Valley, west of the Gallic town of Vendôme, lie 27 communes dotted along the southern banks of the Loir River that comprise the AOC Coteaux du Vendômois, 120 hectares of flinty, sandy soils bursting with the region’s “rare and ancient native variety” Pineau d’Anuis, plus Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, and Chardonnay.
Read MoreRecently, our Buyer Keith Mabry introduced us to the wines of Patrice Colin, a new Direct Import producer who specializes in Pineau d’Aunis, and the grape came into laser focus for me. Seriously, they’re intensely delicious and interesting wines. If you’re craving a rich Cab, they might not be your thing, but if you’d like to try something a little off the beaten path that still delivers immense drinking pleasure at the table, pick up a few of these bottles—they’re a great value, all around the $15 mark.
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