For Refreshing Glasses and Authentic Connection ‘Bloom Big’ with Loire Wines

For Refreshing Glasses and Authentic Connection,
‘Bloom Big’ with Loire Wines
From minerally white wines crafted along the cool Atlantic coast, to fresh, fruity reds, few regions rival the diversity of France’s Loire region. Located just 70 miles due east from Paris, this riveting viticultural region has rapidly gained the attention of professionals and consumers alike, and the secret lies in its immense versatility. As consumer trends shift towards fresh whites, light reds, and budget-friendly sparklings perfect for everyday drinking, the Loire region delivers on all fronts—and the proof is in the recent high ratings from the Wine Enthusiast team.
Curious to learn more? Wine Enthusiast recently rated a lineup of Loire Wines crafted from different grape varieties in various styles. Our standout selections are highlighted below.
Loire Region: Overview
Before diving into bottles and ratings, knowing a bit about the region’s background will go a long way. Here, chalky soils are carved out by the winding Loire River. The river is bordered by gorgeous old chateaux and idyllic farmland. Here, three distinct subregions are planted with more than 100,000 acres of vines that generate over 280 million bottles annually.
The Loire grows a broad spectrum of grapes, from Melon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc to Grolleau and Cabernet Franc, that make for a variety of styles. In recent years, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc have seen a massive uptick in popularity amongst consumers, thanks to their bright, refreshing flavor profiles and food-friendly nature.
Similarly, Loire Cabernet Franc has seen a rise in consumer appreciation, much of which is attributed to a shift in regional style. These wines, which were once known for their bold flavors and prominent tannins, are now being vinified with a lighter hand, resulting in juicy, fruit-forward wines marked by vibrant acidity and pleasantly peppery finishes. As demand for chilled reds continues to grow, Cabernet Franc from the Loire region remains a reliable, expert-approved option.

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Noteworthy Praise for Loire Wines
In a recent tasting hosted by Wine Enthusiast, a vast array of selections received an impressive 90+ score from our expert tasting panel. Among the top-scoring bottles were Domaine Menard Gaborit Muscadet Sèvre et Maine 2020 (94 points), Domaine de la Haute Olive Chinon 2023 (93 points), and Langlois Blanc de Blancs Crémant de Loire 2020 (93 points). The tasting team was beguiled by the complex aromas and rich, creamy texture of the Menard’s Muscadet, along with its herbal undertones and accents of dried field grass. “This wine not only checks all the Muscadet boxes, it redefines them,” they said.
Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc also made regular appearances among the top-rated list, specifically with expressions from Vouvray and Touraine. Reviewers cited the wines’ bright acidity and reinforcing tension, as well as their ability to pair beautifully with a variety of dishes and flavors. In the realm of reds, Cabernet Franc was a top scorer, garnering 90+ scores on bottles from Chinon, Bourgueil, Saumur-Champigny, and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil. These wines compelled our team with their vibrant red fruit flavors and well-integrated nuances of herbaceous spice. Last but not least, two Crémant de Loire wines left a lasting impression on our team with their freshness and vivacity. To see the scores and find delicious wines to try for yourself, click here. To learn more about Loire Wines, click here.
Above all, Loire wines are dominated by four main characteristics—freshness, fruity and floral flavors and fairness to the land and the community—creating an undeniable throughline in the wines.

Fresh: Wines with an Edge
The Loire produces more white wine than any region in France and comes in second for sparkling wine and rosé. All of the wines–bold reds included–boast a remarkable freshness and drinkability. Coastal vineyards, as well as cooler inland microclimates along the Loire River, help the wines retain their acidity, even in warmer vintages. Expect citrusy, vibrant flavors in the whites and rosés and lifted, lively fruit in the reds.
Fruity: Generosity in the Glass
Thanks to an abundance of sunshine, there’s a delicious fruit basket of flavors to be found in Loire wines. In the whites, that can range from tangy citrus to juicy, uber-ripe orchard fruits, green apples, apricots and peaches. The reds show a lot of breadth, with lighter varieties offering strawberry and red cherry aromas and the darker ones displaying raspberries and blackberries. These fruit-forward flavors are attributed to timely picking and careful winemaking techniques that avoid an overabundance of alcohol in the bottle.
Floral: Intriguing Aromatics
Sommeliers often comment on the complex floral aromas in Loire wines, too. Honeysuckle, acacia and jasmine are common perfumes. The beguiling notes hail from the grapes themselves as well as the skilled hands of winemakers who aim to preserve their delicate nuance in the glass.
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Fair: An Eye Toward Sustainability—from Vineyard to Bottle
For decades, winemakers in the Loire have been leaders in fair and sustainable production methods in both the vineyard and the cellar. Many of the area’s local winemakers emphasize organic and biodynamic farming practices, forgoing harmful chemicals and additives. Beyond taking care of the land and the health of their families and customers, there’s a strong sense of community in the region, with many local winemakers working closely together to protect the area’s unique terroir.
Thankfully, there’s plenty of Loire wine to go around—no matter what you like to drink. The wines are eye-opening and delicious and it’s easy to feel good about buying them. Whether it’s a bottle of crisp, citrusy Muscadet; juicy, complex Chenin Blanc from Anjou or dark-berried Cabernet Franc from Saumur, Loire wine’s Bloom Big.

About Loire Wines Council (InterLoire)
InterLoire (the Loire Wines Council) is a dynamic regional organization of 3,000 local winegrowers, merchants and cooperatives located in France’s third-largest wine appellation. The bucolic Loire, known as the Garden of France, is divided up into three distinct regions—Pays Nantais, Anjou-Saumur and Touraine—each of which has its own unique appellations, signature grape varieties and signature styles.
In total, the Loire’s wine regions comprise 42,000 hectares of vines spread across 34 appellations of origin—the third-ranked in all of France—which are used to produce red, white and rosé wines in both still and sparkling formats. With more than 255 million bottles sold annually, the Loire is France’s leading producer of white wines and ranks second in the country for rosé and sparkling. To learn more, visit http://www.vinsdeloire.fr/en or follow along on Instagram @loirewines.official.
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Domaine Menard Gaborit 2020
Monnieres St Fiacre Cru
Domaine Menard Gaborit 2020
Monnieres St Fiacre Cru
This wine not only checks all the Muscadet boxes, it redefines them. Gold in color, intense and complex aromas of grilled apple slice, orange zest and white peach merge seamlessly in the glass accented by fronds of dried field grass. The palate is rich and creamy in texture, while retaining a core fruit and herbal character that shines.Editors Choice$33
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Domaine Amirault 2020
Le Vau Renou
Domaine Amirault 2020
Le Vau Renou
This is a classic Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil. Crushed red raspberry, black plum and Darjeeling-tea aromas perfume the nose along with hints of bruised violet blossom. The palate is rich with dark fruit that dominates and presses forward buoyed by relaxed, yet still-assertive tannins.Editors Choice$58
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Domaine de la Haute Olive 2023
Les Clos
Domaine de la Haute Olive 2023
Les Clos
Red currant, young blackberry puree and red-cherry aromas leap forward on the nose, accented by a twist of orange citrus. Slightly grippy tannins emerge on the attack, followed by muddled raspberry on the finish. Pair with a charcuterie board and good friends.Editors Choice$25
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Langlois 2020
Blanc de Blancs
Langlois 2020
Blanc de Blancs
Green pear and crabapple aromas commune with bread dough accented by a hint of dried herbs on the nose. The palate is bright with understated acidity that honors its restrained fruit core. Fruit forward in character, serve with savory dishes that would benefit from the pairing juxtaposition.Editors Choice$50
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Domaine Raphaël Luneau 2018
Goulaine
Domaine Raphaël Luneau 2018
Goulaine
This is a fine Muscadet. Captivating Forelle pear and summer-field herb aromas mingle with bread dough, forest floor and chamomile on the nose. A gentle attack of tart fruit transitions into creaminess on the midpalate, adding complexity along with wisps of crushed stone on the finish.Editors Choice$28
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DOMAINE Nicolas BRUNET 2023
Fleur de Silex Sec
DOMAINE Nicolas BRUNET 2023
Fleur de Silex Sec
This attractive, organic wine pulls you towards it. The bottling has a perfumed nose of brioche, spiced apple, white peach and dried papaya with a smattering of shaved ginger. The palate is creamy and luxurious with an undercurrent acidity that plays an appropriately supportive role while letting its well-integrated fruit character shine.Editors Choice$35
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Domaine Guion 2020
Grand Mont
Domaine Guion 2020
Grand Mont
Black raspberry and alpine strawberry frolic in the glass, accented by spiced red currant and a wisp of slightly smoked rhubarb. Fruity on the palate with a dusty, black-cherry whisper, the richly textured wine refreshes the palate, accented by orange zest on finish. Pair with chicken Parmesan, grilled meats and lasagna.Editors Choice$25
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Domaine Filliatreau 2015
L’affutée
Domaine Filliatreau 2015
L’affutée
Elevate an evening with this perfectly matured wine. A mélange of red cherry and plum open on the nose, followed by a faint underlay of black tea and dried herbs. Still resonant, bright red fruit fills the palate, buttressed by a vibrant streak of acidity that propels relaxed tannins towards a lingering finish. A gem indeed.Editors Choice$29
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Domaine Delobel 2023
L’Ellipse Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine Delobel 2023
L’Ellipse Sauvignon Blanc
This is a quintessential Loire Sauvignon Blanc. Muddled golden apple, white-button mushroom and dried field-grass aromas frolic on the nose of this savory wine that charms. The palate elevates savory herbs and fruit flavors that are in perfect balance.Editors Choice$22
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Ackerman NV
Bulle Royale Rosé Brut
Ackerman NV
Bulle Royale Rosé Brut
This wine is a gratifying evening starter. Juicy red cherry and strawberry aromas leap from the glass followed by white-blossom-dusted dried hay. The palate reveals a persistent streak of acidity that flirts with brioche but lives with orchard fruit on the dried-orange-zested finish.Best Buy$20
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Château de Villeneuve 2022
Les Cormiers
Château de Villeneuve 2022
Les Cormiers
This wine walks a delicate tightrope in your glass. Honey-dipped apple slice meets with quince and freshly baked bread on the chamomile and white rose petal-dusted nose. The palate is linear, with a precise streak of orchard fruit that is perfectly balanced with acidity, creating a mutually reinforcing tension that excites the senses.Editors Choice$42
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Domaine Biet 2024
Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine Biet 2024
Sauvignon Blanc
Aromas of green apple and honeydew melon rind swirl in the glass, lifted by chamomile and white-peach blossom. The palate is a mix of crushed stone and crabapple, with a sprinkle of lemon zest on the finish. This wine would make an excellent accompaniment with seafood and fried dishes.Best Buy$18
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Noteworthy Praise for Loire Wines
In a recent tasting hosted by Wine Enthusiast, a vast array of selections received an impressive 90+ score from our expert tasting panel. Among the top-scoring bottles were Domaine Menard Gaborit Muscadet Sèvre et Maine 2020 (94 points), Domaine de la Haute Olive Chinon 2023 (93 points), and Langlois Blanc de Blancs Crémant de Loire 2020 (93 points). The tasting team was beguiled by the complex aromas and rich, creamy texture of the Menard’s Muscadet, along with its herbal undertones and accents of dried field grass. “This wine not only checks all the Muscadet boxes, it redefines them,” they said.
Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc also made regular appearances among the top-rated list, specifically with expressions from Vouvray and Touraine. Reviewers cited the wines’ bright acidity and reinforcing tension, as well as their ability to pair beautifully with a variety of dishes and flavors. In the realm of reds, Cabernet Franc was a top scorer, garnering 90+ scores on bottles from Chinon, Bourgueil, Saumur-Champigny, and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil. These wines compelled our team with their vibrant red fruit flavors and well-integrated nuances of herbaceous spice. Last but not least, two Crémant de Loire wines left a lasting impression on our team with their freshness and vivacity. To see the scores and find delicious wines to try for yourself, click here. To learn more about Loire Wines, click here.
Above all, Loire wines are dominated by four main characteristics—freshness, fruity and floral flavors and fairness to the land and the community—creating an undeniable throughline in the wines.
About Loire Wines Council (InterLoire)
InterLoire (the Loire Wines Council) is a dynamic regional organization of 3,000 local winegrowers, merchants and cooperatives located in France’s third-largest wine appellation. The bucolic Loire, known as the Garden of France, is divided up into three distinct regions—Pays Nantais, Anjou-Saumur and Touraine—each of which has its own unique appellations, signature grape varieties and signature styles.
In total, the Loire’s wine regions comprise 42,000 hectares of vines spread across 34 appellations of origin—the third-ranked in all of France—which are used to produce red, white and rosé wines in both still and sparkling formats. With more than 255 million bottles sold annually, the Loire is France’s leading producer of white wines and ranks second in the country for rosé and sparkling. To learn more, visit http://www.vinsdeloire.fr/en or follow along on Instagram @loirewines.official.
The post For Refreshing Glasses and Authentic Connection ‘Bloom Big’ with Loire Wines appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.