The Loire Valley is often described as the heart of France, both by geography and heritage. Its wines enjoy a fame all their own, principally for the quality of the white wines produced in its many appellations. But it also produces some outstanding red wines and one of the original places for Malbec, Gamay and Cabernet Franc As for its famed white wines think Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Melon de Bourgogne.
We had the opportunity to learn more about these Loire Valley wines when we attended the recent tasting entitled "Spring to Loire! The Loire Valley Wines' Day" presented at the Arts District in Los Angeles. At this event seventeen importers presented a long list of both white and red wines of the region. It was also the opportunity to meet some old friends and acquaintances including fellow International Food, Wine & Travel Writer member Tom Plant.
One of the first people we recognized at the tasting was Dennis Ayde who was representing Barton & Guestier wines. We had enjoyed a long relationship with B & G wines by working with Browne Vintners who imported the wines in an earlier era and Dennis was with Browne Vintners in Northern California at that time. For old times sake here we tasted B & G's Passeport 2013, a one hundred per cent Chenin Blanc from Vouvray.
One of our goals at the tasting was try white wines from each of the Loire appellations. We met Paul Young, who is a importer and distributor in Southern California, and from the Muscadet Sevreet Maine region tasted a Moulinde la Miniere 2013 Melon de Bourgogne.
Moving on we chatted with Jay Clark, representing Veritas Imports, and tried a Sauvignon Blanc from the winery, Domaine Vincent Pinard '"Flores" 2013, and the Sancere appellation. At this point we started on the red wines and Jay poured us a Cabernet Franc from Domaine L'R "Le Canal des Grands Pieces,2013 and the Chinon region.
The Rose wine we tasted was from B & G made from Grolleau and Gamay grapes and the Rose d''Anjou region. We tasted an interesting red blend of Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Malbec, called Cot in Loire. It was from the Touraine appellation and by Domaine des Corbillieres 'Les Demoiselles' 2011.
It was a pleasure meeting Nadia and Jenny at Joli Vin Imports. Here we tasted a one hundred per cent Cabernet Franc from Saumur-Champigny region. The wine a 2012 Sylvain Dittiere 'La Porte Saint Jean'.
It was our first ever visit to Millwick where the tasting took place. Located in what recently has become known as the Arts District of Los Angeles it proved an ideal location and we were impressed with the appetizers that were served with the outstanding wines.
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