Loire Valley Wines in Chicago for #LoireLovers and #SpringToLoire event.
The Loire Valley is one spot that I’ve only passed through while in France, a region that has always been a “fantasy” trip for me. Though I’ve had a couple of opportunities to go on in-depth visits, they didn’t work out. Now I’m beginning to regret any missed chance at travel, as it seems like it will be some time before I’m back in France again.
In 2018 I was the beneficiary of some reverse-travel magic when Loire Valley Wines came to Chicago. During this visit I tasted through a room full of wines and enjoyed a seminar series, my favorite of which was called Direct from the Loire Valley: Diverse Wines all the Time. It was led by local sommelier Ryan Arnold and Loire producer Arnaud Sagent, of Saget la Perrière. You can check out the presentation here.
I also found Bubbly Yet Refined, Exploring Fines Bulles from the Loire Valley to be a wonderful presentation, also by Arnold. This term, Fines Bulles or Fine Bubbles, is a self-expression of the elegance of these wines.
Most of wines from this region are not blends, but rather made from a single grape variety. Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Melon de Bourgogne are some of the most renowned grapes grown in this area. The vineyards are peppered across 51 appellations spread across five regions from east to west (rather than from north to south).
A sampling of Loire Valley wines in Chicago.
Loire Valley Coverage on L’Occasion
Centre-Loire: Fulfilling a Fantasy
Five Things I Learned About Loire Wines from a Bottle of Rosé
Coteaux de Saumur – A Mythical Sweet Wine from the Loire
Your Ticket to French Wine is Actually A Map
How French Women Collaborate to Be Adequately Represented in the Wine Industry
A range of wine from France’s Loire Valley. Photo Credit: Jill Barth
Wines to Try (pictured)
Château de la Ragotière was purchased in 1979 by brothers Bernard, Francois, and Michel Couillaud. They are now working with Amélie, Bernard’s daughter, and her husband, Vincent Dugué.
Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie Sélection Vieilles Vignes
Domaine de Bernier is owned by the Couillaud brothers of Château de la Ragotière, who planted some of the property with Bourgogne varietals to see how they’d do in a maritime setting, further west from Burgundy. I didn’t get a sample of the Chardonnay, but this key project was inspired by Chablis, and I found this write up to share.
Domaine de Bernier Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine Xavier and Agnès Amirault has been held by the Amirault family for six generations and is 100% certified organic by Ecocert and certified biodynamic by Demeter.
Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Les Quarterons
Domaine Cherrier & Fils has been around for three generations as an independent producer in Sancerre. Fernand, along with his son, Sylvain, and daughter-in-law, Monique are currently at the helm. The family is also known for being purveyors of a local gastronomic favorite, the goat cheese Crottins de Chavignol.
J. de Villebois is run by Joost and Miguela de Willebois, with vineyards across the Loire Valley including Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé, Menetou Salon and Touraine. Native to the Netherlands, Joost was compelled by his love for the Loire Valley and his French ancestry when he and his wife purchased his first winery in Touraine in 2004.
Loire Wines Previously Featured on L’Occasion
Marcel Martin NV Crémant de Loire
Château de Tracy Pouilly-Fume 2017
Le Domaine Saget Pouilly-Fume 2016
Famille Bougrier Pure Loire Rosé d’Anjou
Map of Loire Valley Wines
The French Winophiles
We are all seeking a little freedom and fresh air and the place to do it is the Loire Valley. Care to join us? Pop onto Twitter at 10am Central Time on Saturday, August 15, 2020. Find the hashtag #Winophiles and share your experiences, questions, memories. It’s all about the Loire Valley, and everyone is invited!
HERE’S THE TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Muscadet is Not Muscat, Gabure Bigourdane, and (Our Version of) Faire Chabròl | Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Thierry Michon and Domaine Saint Nicolas – Biodynamic Loire Wines |Savor the Harvest
- Savennières and Vouvray: Two Tastes of Loire Valley Chenin Blanc | The Swirling Dervish
- Sweet Wines from the Loire | Avvinare
- Made it to Dessert with a Vouvray | Keep the Peas
- A Visit to Loire with Thierry Puzelat of Organic Clos du Tue-Boeuf: Part 1 Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc with Summer Squash Tart | Wine Predator
- Turkey and Cabbage Skillet Recipe with Pouilly-Fumé | Cooking Chat
- Enjoying Summer Food with Chinon Wine and a Fun Book | A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Cooking to the Wine: “Brendan Stater-West Saumur Les Chapaudaises and Chicken Thighs with Apples and Onions | Somm’s Table
- Summer Sipping: B&G Chenin Blanc and Crispy Baked Pork Chops | Our Good Life
- Montlouis-sur-Loire – 2 Rivers, 3 Zeros and some delicious sparkling wine | Crushed Grape Chronicles
- Exploring the Loire Valley From My Balcony with #Winophiles! | The Quirky Cork
- Funky Loire Pet Nat was born for goat cheese pizza | My Full Wine Glass
- A Crémant de Loire, a Vouvray, and a Rosé D’anjou – I’m all set for the summer | Chinese Food and Wine Pairings
-
Touraine Chenonceaux in the Loire Valley – Where Wine andHistory Reign | Grape Experiences
- Getting “Au Naturel” with Damien and Didier Richou ‘Les D en Bulles’ Méthode Ancestrale ;| ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
- Wine Thirsty? That’s No Problem in France’s Loire Valley | L’Occasion
- Muscadet is Not Muscat, Garbure Bigourdane, and (Our Version of) Faire Chabròl | Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Thierry Michon and Domaine Saint Nicolas – Biodynamic Loire Wines #Winophiles |Savor the Harvest
- Savennières and Vouvray: Two Tastes of Loire Valley Chenin Blanc | The Swirling Dervish
- Sweet Wines from the Loire | Avvinare
- Made it to Dessert with a Vouvray | Keep the Peas
- A Vineyard Visit: Organic Clos du Tue-Boeuf with Thierry Puzelat and his Sauvignon Blanc paired with a savory summer tart | Wine Predator
- Turkey and Cabbage Skillet Recipe with Pouilly-Fumé | Cooking Chat
- Enjoying Summer Food with Chinon Wine and a Fun Book | A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Cooking to the Wine: “Brendan Stater-West Saumur Les Chapaudaises and Chicken Thighs with Apples and Onions | Somm’s Table
- Summer Sipping: B&G Chenin Blanc and Crispy Baked Pork Chops | Our Good Life
- Montlouis-sur-Loire – 2 Rivers, 3 Zeros and some delicious sparkling wine #Winophiles | Crushed Grape Chronicles
- Exploring the Loire Valley From My Balcony with #Winophiles! | The Quirky Cork
- Funky Loire Pet Nat was born for goat cheese pizza | My Full Wine Glass
- A Crémant de Loire, a Vouvray, and a Rosé D’anjou – I’m all set for the summer #Winophiles | Chinese Food and Wine Pairings
- Touraine Chenonceaux in the Loire Valley – Where Wine and History Reign | Grape Experiences
- Wine Thirsty? That’s No Problem in France’s Loire Valley | L’Occasion
INITIAL
LOIRE VALLEY WINES
Though not an official partner for this event, I suggest that you check out Loire Valley Wines on Facebook: @LoireValleyWineBureau / IG: @LoireValleyWine / Twitter: @LoireValleyWine / #LoireLovers.
L'OCCASION 
Unfortunately in the USA they confuse the long Valley of the Loire. Those wines are what here are call Centre-Val de Loire region.. the Loire continues into the Atlantic ocean and there are plenty of good ones I visit often in the Pays de la Loire region.
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that Loire tasting sounds wonderful! Such diverse wines, would be interesting to be able to do an event like this and sample the range of what the region offers. Seems like some interesting presentations too!
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That Loire event sounded fantastic! What a great way to taste through such a huge and diverse region when you can’t get there in person.
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Thank you so much for hosting this Jill. What a wonderful exploration of the Loire Valley. I am still reading through all the pieces and discovering new wines.
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Thanks for hosting and providing this list of wines to try – another great resource!
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Thanks for hosting this virtual trip to one of my favorite regions. Until we can visit in person, this is the next-best thing. At least we can still sip the wines and imagine our next adventure!
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Ah yes, those missed trips leave a dent right about now. Cheers to future trips and the Loire, thanks for hosting Jill!
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The Loire Valley Wines tasting is always one of my favorites during normal times. Will look forward to it again on the other side, fingers crossed. Like you, the Loire Valley remains one of my fantasy trips — again, hopefully someday! Thanks for hosting!
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When we visited France last year we were thinking of doing a dray trip to Loire, but essentially decided to go to Normandy instead. For me going to Loire for just a day may have been more frustrating than rewarding.
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