Adding Sparkle to the Holiday Season with Wines of the Loire
From royal retreats to holiday tables, Loire Valley sparkling wines hold history and celebration in every glass!
The Loire Valley was a dreamy, holiday retreat for royalty in the mid-15th to mid-16th century when French kings became drawn to its scenic and fertile lands. In the Loire, you’ll find fairytale-like castles dotted amongst the most picturesque backdrops of rolling hills draped with vineyards along the Loire River. Today, we enjoy Loire Valley wines produced from the very same region that once drew noblemen, who flocked there with the same celebratory enthusiasm for its captivating wines.
Why celebrate with the sparkling wines of the Loire
In France, the Loire Valley produces the highest amount of sparkling wine next to Champagne, with Cremant de Loire being its’ flagship sparkling AOC, but not its’ only expression. Other sparkling appellations within the Loire Valley include, but aren’t limited to, Vouvray, Anjou, Saumur, Touraine and Montlouis-sur-Loire.
Chenin Blanc is the Loire’s golden grape that is the backbone for most of its sparkling wines. Typically, most fizz from the region is made solely with this grape or as a main component in blends. It can be crafted into sweet or dry sparkling wines, offering subtle orchard fruit and honey notes with refreshingly racy acidity that make for an excellent sipper while remaining incredibly food friendly. These special bottles are easy for both wine fluent and casual enthusiasts to love - a perfect choice for holiday gatherings!
Holiday Pro Tips & Food Pairing
“Pro tip: Chenin Blanc is great for aging, even as a sparkling wine. Try cellaring a bottle for 5-10 years to experience age-developed nuances.”
Bubbles from the Loire don’t only offer fantastic flavour and centuries of history behind their quality winemaking, but they also offer stunning value. These bottles might just be the best bang for your buck this sparkling season.
Try these:
Bernard Fouquet Cuvee Ysance Brut Vouvray Sparkling
A 2019, 100% Chenin Blanc from the Vouvray appellation. Dry, with notes of white flowers, mandarin and wet stone. Brimming with an appetizing mineral focus and hints of stonefruit coming into play, this wine reveals a terroir-driven, pure, and exuberant sip. Excellent value. This bottle makes for an excellent sipper but would pair nicely with oysters, cheese dips and lemon meringue pie. LCBO Vintages #42396, $19.95 ($18.95 until Jan.4th)
Chateau de Montgueret Crémant de Loire Brut
This Cremant de Loire is a refreshing, just off-dry, light-bodied sparkling that consists of Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. Bosc pear, honeycrisp apple, lime and honeysuckle notes flow through persistent bubbles and ends with a crisp finish. Bright and approachable. Pair with shrimp, white fish, and chicken dishes. LCBO Vintages #217760, $22.95.
Ackerman Bulle Royale Crémant de Loire Brut Reserve
An off-dry reserve Cremant de Loire from one of the Loire’s pioneering sparkling wine houses - Ackerman, that was established in 1811. This crémant showcases a warm depth, with pear and almond that cascade down a fine mousse. Mineral-driven, layered, and focused with a long finish. Pair this wine with aged cheddar, crab cakes, and roast turkey. LCBO Vintages #42057, $20.95
For this sparkling season, there’s no need to splurge on the most expensive fine bubbles. Pop the cork on sparkling wines from the Loire Valley to confidently complement your festive feasts, and enjoy the history-rich, elegant bubbles that are sure to delight every palate!