Winemaker Wednesday: Domaine des Fines Caillottes

Tell us about your property (how long it has been in your family, how long you have been...

Friday Fact: We do things a little differently

Here in the Loire Valley, we are certainly unique. We are France’s longest and most diverse wine-producing region, producing wines in every style – red, white, rosé; still or sparkling; dry, off-dry or sweet. You name it, we make it.

Many of the varietals made famous by other regions, such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, are secondary varietals in the Loire...

Winemaker Wednesday: Francis Blanchet

Today, we speak with Francis Blanchet, winemaker of Domaine Francis Blanchet in Pouilly Fumé.

Tell us about your property (how long it has been in your family, how long you have been making wine there, the size, any growing philosophy you might have):

The son of a winemaker, I have continued my family’s tradition of winemaking since the 17th century. After having obtained a degree as an agricultural technician from wine school in Beaune in 1980,...

Looking past Sancerre: the other Loire Sauvignon Blancs

Last week, we gave you some insight into the differences between Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Yet, those aren’t the only worthwhile wines from Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire Valley. There are a number of other regions producing excellent Sauvignon Blancs in their own unique styles.

Distinguishing Sancerre from Pouilly-Fumé

Made from the same grape, Sauvignon Blanc, on opposing banks of the Loire, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are often compared to one another in style. Yet, although these two neighboring wine regions share much in common, each has established its own characteristic style of wine. If you look closely, you can find a number of differences.

Sancerre is the Centre-Loire’s most...