Whether you’re hitting the beach, boat, backyard BBQ, or pool party, it's time for some easy to drink, yet distinctive whites and rosés that add some class to your festivities. All too often, we reach for the most affordable and readily apparent blends when purchasing a bottle of wine, but this approach often leads to disappointment. Mass-produced blends may be guaranteed not to offend anyone's palate, but the trade off is an unimpressive blandness or a cloying sweetness evocative of bottom-of-the-barrel wine coolers. Why not take a chance and get some bottles of what the French and Loire Valley natives unequivocally grab to accompany their summer revelries. But where to start?
It first helps to have a bit of background knowledge of the region's terroir to make informed choices. Often referred to as The Garden of France, The Loire Valley's controlled designations of origin (Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée or simply AOC) ensure that only the highest quality grapes are pressed from single varietals. Approximately 4,000 wineries are sprinkled across mountainous topography and specific microclimates. This region is comprised of the 5 distinct growing regions of Pays Nantais, Anjou, Saumur, Touraine, and Centre-Loire, making it France's 3rd largest wine making area while still leading the country in Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Rosé production.
2014 Domaine Vigneau Chevreau Cuvee Silex
A perfect example of a distinctive wine defined by an interesting range of flavor nuances, this crisp and refreshing vintage from family-run Vigneau Chevreau Estate hovers between kumquat and lemon on the bouquet, depending on serving temperature. Crisp honeydew melon unfolds on the palate—viscerally cutting through whatever you're eating—making for some intriguing pairings ranging from ripe cheeses to summer fare like salads, grilled chicken, and burgers. Dense minerality provides clarity for delicate, yet sharp touches of citrus and plum. The mouth feel of the wine is bold, but then retreats like the ocean surf, making it perfect to pair with fresh seafood like lobsters, scallops, and oysters.
2015 Remy Pannier Rose D'Anjou
Loire Valley rosés are distinguished by liveliness balanced with sweet notes and refreshing finishes. This particular Rose D'Anjou exudes pear on the nose with effervescent strawberry rhubarb, quickly transitioning to peach nectar on the palate and taking hold of the tongue with a hint of uncloying strawberry sweetness on the finish. The interplay between acidity and minerality seem to hover just above the palate, making it perfect for food pairings like smoked and white meats, as well as some interesting chocolate pairings.
2015 Domaine Beausejour Sauvignon de Blanc Touraine Les Grenettes
Grown in limestone soil characteristic of the Reuilly, Quincy and Pouilly-Fumé appellations, the grapes used in this vintage exhibit distinctly dry, fruity qualities like fresh banana on the bouquet, with strawberry citrus that blasts forth strongly on the palate which then recedes to fresh greens and a well-balanced minerality. Slightly tart cherry notes on the finish make this wine perfect to sample with seafood of all types.
2014 Jo Landron de la Louvetrie Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie
This Melon de Bourgogne from the Saumur and Vouvray appellations, better known as Muscadet, exudes a floral, light-bodied freshness and crisp acidity. Its stable mouth feel and initial deep bite give way to a distinctive honeydew melon flavor on the palate, enhancing its well-balanced, refreshing depth. It's quite likely that its flintiness on the nose portends the explosive intensity and full-bodied minerality of lemon essence you get on the palate.
