So here are the three “star” grape varieties of dry white wines from the Loire Valley. Chenin Blanc is the versatile grape of Anjou and Saumur wines, a chameleon capable of producing dry, semi-dry, and sweet wines. Sauvignon Blanc is the essential grape for Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé white wines, a clever little one that can adapt to any terroir. Melon de Bourgogne is the unique grape variety of Muscadet wines, in the Nantes region, a rebel that loves granite soils and sea spray. Each of these grape varieties has its own characteristic aromas. Sauvignon Blanc can have aromas of citrus (lime, grapefruit), tropical fruits (mango, passion fruit), green bell pepper, fresh herbs (mint, basil), and sometimes gunflint (usually sought after… and found in the finest wines). Chenin Blanc offers aromas of white fruits (apple, pear), yellow fruits (peach, apricot), honey, beeswax, quince, almond, and acacia. Finally, Melon de Bourgogne generally gives wines with aromas of white fruits (apple, pear), citrus (lemon), white flowers (hawthorn, acacia), and dried fruits (hazelnut, almond). It is worth noting that these aromas are not exclusive to these grape varieties and may vary depending on several factors, such as terroir, climate, and winemaking techniques.
Divine
Questions
What are the grape varieties of Loire Valley dry white wines?
A hint for you
There are two obvious ones for white wine, the last one, rather misnamed for a Loire grape variety!”
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