As summer heats up, Australian wine lovers are always on the lookout for refreshing, versatile wines that pair perfectly with sunny afternoons and festive occasions. The Loire Valley, France’s third-largest wine-producing region, offers an incredibly diverse range of wines that can do just that – from crisp, mineral-driven whites to elegant reds, vibrant rosés, and refreshing sparkling. The Loire’s wines are bursting with flavour, making them an ideal match for the Australian market, where consumers are increasingly seeking out wines with character, versatility, and value for money.
A region like no other: The Loire Valley
Spanning the length of the Loire River in France’s northwest, the Loire Valley is known as the ‘Garden of France’ for its lush, fertile land and picturesque landscapes, dotted with grand châteaux and vibrant vineyards. The region’s varied terroirs are reflected in its broad wine style spectrum, from the crisp whites of Muscadet to the fruity reds of Cabernet Franc, offering something for every taste and occasion.
From the western coastal areas near Nantes to the historic vineyards of Sancerre and the charming Loire towns of Chinon and Vouvray, each subregion within the Loire Valley offers its own unique character and diversity. The range of wine styles – from still and sparkling wines to dry and sweet varieties – provides Australian wine drinkers with an exciting opportunity to explore new flavours and textures.
Exclusive tastings across Australia
This summer, Loire Wines is teaming up with Dan Murphy’s and BWS, to give Aussie wine enthusiasts a chance to discover the Loire Valley’s best offerings through exclusive in-store tastings.
More than 60 participating stores across New South Wales and Victoria will feature a curated selection of Loire wines for customers to taste and purchase throughout November and December.
The tastings will be split into two phases, each lasting two weeks. The first phase runs from 7-20 November, and the second phase kicks off on 5 December and ends on 18 December. The event will feature 18 exceptional Loire wines from 10 different appellations, giving Australians a taste of the region’s diversity and quality.
Some of the key regions represented will include Vouvray, known for its Chenin Blanc-based whites and sparkling wines; Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, the go-to spot for light, zesty whites perfect for seafood; and Chinon, where Cabernet Franc thrives in red wines that are both fresh and complex.
Here’s a preview of some of the exciting wines that will be on show:
Bubbly selections
– Crémant de Loire, Veuve Amiot Brut – $18.99 (12.5 per cent)
A fruity, soft sparkling wine, perfect for any festive occasion. Pair it with light salads, grilled meats, or a fruit-based dessert.
– Pure Loire, Vouvray, Famille Bougrier – $24.99 (12.5 per cent)
A dry sparkling wine with notes of apricot, honey, and a touch of minerality. Ideal for pairing with grilled chicken or a charcuterie platter.
– Crémant de Loire, Gratien & Meyer – $22.99 (12 per cent)
A light, subtle sparkling wine with fresh apple and pear notes. Perfect with fresh seafood or a cheese platter.
White wines
– IGP Val de Loire Sauvignon Blanc, La Planchelière – $14.99 (12.5 per cent)
A crisp, floral Sauvignon Blanc with expressive tropical fruit flavours. Best served with fresh seafood or a light salad.
– Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie, Domaine des Amoureux – $14.99 (12 per cent)
Classic Muscadet, with citrus and yellow fruit notes, perfectly paired with oysters or fresh shellfish.
Red wines
– Gamay, Touraine, Thierry Delaunay – $21.99 (14 per cent)
A vibrant red with red fruit flavours and soft tannins. Enjoy it chilled with a barbecue or picnic.
– Chinon, Marquis de Surblet, Cabernet Franc – $14.99 (12.5 per cent)
A great value example of Chinon, featuring bright red fruits, with a touch of blackcurrant and velvety tannins – ideal for grilled meats or a summer steak.
Dessert wines
– Le Savetier, Coteaux du Layon, Château la Varière – $47.99 (11.5 per cent)
A rich, botrytised Chenin Blanc with luscious pear and quince notes. Perfect with apple pie or fruit tarts.
Why Loire Wines are a perfect fit for the Australian market
Loire Valley wines are not only incredibly diverse in flavour, but they also offer great versatility at a price point that appeals to Australian consumers. The region’s cool, maritime climate produces wines with fresh acidity, vibrant fruit character, and balanced alcohol levels, making them ideal for Australia’s warm climate.
Whether it’s a crisp Muscadet to pair with fresh oysters, a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc for a summer BBQ, or a complex Cabernet Franc to enjoy with grilled lamb, Loire wines can easily become a staple for Australian wine lovers.
Additionally, the Loire’s long-standing reputation for high-quality wine production and sustainability makes it an attractive choice for Australian consumers who are increasingly aware of environmental impact and want wines that align with their values.
With more than 280 million bottles sold annually, the Loire Valley is France’s leading producer of white wines and ranks second for sparkling and rosé wines. As Australia’s seventh largest export market, with 10,402 hectolitres of Loire wine valued at €4.7 billion exported in 2023, the region’s growing popularity on our shores is clear.
