Loire Extravaganza, 2005
My recent sojourns in the Loire were becoming a part of my annual routine, so much so that I really missed the place this year when, for various reasons – including a relocation to a new house in a new city – I couldn’t visit. There have been compensations, such as trips to Bandol and Chianti instead, but there seemed a more obvious way to get my Loire fix…..
During the Summer (and it has been a very good Summer up here on the East coast of Scotland) I pulled a selection of young wines from my cellar for tasting. As these wines were mostly purchased at the domaine, in six-packs or cases, it’s quite acceptable to open and drink, even in such obvious youth, in order to assess how the wines are faring in bottle.
To create a little ambience, I’ve included an image of one of my favourite Loire châteaux. If you like, squint at a picture of your choosing and pretend you’re really there, preferably with a decent glass of Vouvray or similar to hand. (18/10/05)
Tasting Notes
These wines were tasted during Summer 2005. Click 
to locate stockists.
Anjou is often ignored as a source of good and interesting wine, but as I have learnt this attitude is a mistake. As always, conscientious producers turn out good examples. Nevertheless, many would regard Savennières as a step up in quality. This little-known appellation spawns some classic, structured, surprisingly ageworthy wines. Traditionally the style is said to be off-dry, but many are now turning out super dry wines. As for Sancerre, as a student I must confess this wine was a significant feature in my cellar (and those were the days when I had a proper cellar, a dank underground space beneath our late Victorian terraced house). I seem to have drifted away from the appellation over the years, preferring the delights of Chenin to Sauvignon, but was glad to taste even the most basic cuvées of Alphonse Mellot here; clearly a great talent.
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