FRANCE
THE LOIRE VALLEY
Maison FoucherLebrun ALLIGNY-COSNE
12
CELLAR 287 — ONTARIO
The Loire wine region straddles both sides of the eponymous river that is the longest in France. Sauvignon Blanc vines are cultivated south of Paris to produce Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé wines. As the river wends its way westward to the Atlantic Ocean, Chenin Blanc and Gamay vineyards around the historic towns of Tours and Angers act as a backdrop to the grand Châteaux built by French nobility in the 15th and 16th centuries. Further west still, Muscadet is produced from Melon de Bourgogne as a perfect partner to the local seafood and oysters. Maison Foucher-Lebrun is a small winery and négociant at Alligny-Cosne that specializes in the wines of the Loire. Winemaker Marc Vappereau works with some of the best growers across the region.
photo — Sunflower fields and vines are part of the Loire Valley landscape.