Summer doesn’t mean giving up reds
Sure, it’s hot outside. And, of course, the natural inclination is to reach for a cool, crisp white (which the Loire Valley has its share of!). Yet, warm weather doesn’t have to mean giving up red wine – the Loire has plenty of light-bodied reds that can handle the summer heat.
Cabernet Franc, the main grape in the regions of Anjou-Saumur and Touraine, has the ability to make lighter-bodied, less tannic wines than many other red grapes. A youthful red from Cabernet Franc is the perfect red wine for summer: fruity and refreshing. The raspberry and cherry flavors are the ideal complement to barbecue and the wines can even be served slightly chilled. Look for young wines from areas such as Anjou, Saumur, Bourgueil , Chinon, and other Loire regions producing earthy reds.
Touraine Gamay, exclusively made from the Gamay grape, can also be made in a youthful style called en primeur. With no aging before release, the wine remains light-bodied with fresh fruit flavors. Similarly, Sancerre, Menetou-Salon, Reuilly and Touraine all make Pinot Noirs that tend to be made in a lighter and fruiter style than typical for the grape variety.
The lesser known Pineau d’Aunis, most often a blending grape in the Touraine, is also sometimes used on its own to make a light red known as Coteaux du Loir.
