The 4.5 year-old, medium-yellow Trinqu’âmes Touraine Sauvignon saw significant development with notes of honey and wet rock that is almost Chenin-like. Delicious with foie gras.

This article is published on Somm TV Magazine.

A few weeks ago, an unexpected encounter with this Touraine Chenonceaux at a liquor store caught me by surprise. A rare sighting, because their wines are so hard to find!

When you think of the Loire Valley, the Fief Vendéens is probably not the first region that comes to mind, as its reputation is often overshadowed by the more popular wines of Pays Nantais (Muscadet Sevre et Maine, etc). But the fact that Fiefs Vendéens being lesser known is also the reason why it attracts people who loves obscure wines and regions, where finding excellent wines at a great price is a reasonable quest.

Loire is especially attractive to those who enjoy going off the beaten path to seek for the unique and the uncommon. Such is the thrill of uncorking a totally unfamiliar bottle, researching about a new producer, or having your mind blown away by the quality of an unusual wine. The path to knowledge guarantees new discoveries, and the pleasure is truly in the journey.

The Loire Valley, arguably the northernmost wine region of France, is home to grapes that are especially good at thriving in cooler climates. While native varietals are natural habitants of the Loire, grapes visiting from other regions also planted their roots here and those who thrived have claimed their rights to stay.

A village built by the Romans, Chinon is famous for its medieval streets and the ruined Château de Chinon, residence of Charles VII and the first meeting place between him and Joan of Arc in 1429. In addition to its historic importance, Chinon is one of the better known wine producing towns of the Loire, its red wine are highly prized because of its unique geolocation, terroir, and microclimate.