Friday Night Wine School - La Touraine, Loire Part 2

Join us for our attendance-limited, signup-only Friday night tasting!  Tastings are held on the back patio with a max of 10 people per time slot.

The Loire Valley offers an embarrassment of riches to wine lovers, whatever their preferred style happens to be.  With over 43,000 hectares of vines 50+ appellations, the Loire Valley is France's 3rd largest wine region. Following the path of the Loire River (the longest in France) from Nantes on the Atlantic coast to the very center of the France, the region extends some 174 miles east through this picturesque region known for its chateaux, royal abbeys and a rich winemaking history that stretches over 2,000 years.

Naturally, with such an expansive area, winemakers see major shifts in climate depending on where they are. As a result, grape varieties and a wine’s flavor profile can vary depending on where it’s produced. Pays Nantais, situated on the Atlantic Ocean, has a maritime climate marked by mild autumns and winters and hot, humid summers. Wines from this region tend to be dry, and fresh with citrus and mineral notes. But as you move further east east to the middle region the encompasses Anjou, Saumur and Touraine, and you’ll find yourself in a semi-maritime climate, as the area is protected by the hills of Saumur. Soil type also varies from region to region and has a large influence on grape varieties and vine growing practices.  Along the stretch of river you'll find everything from Kimmeridgian limestone, clay, sand/gravel, schist, flint, granite, gneiss (rock), chalk and tuffeau.

This week's tasting will focus on La Touraine, sometimes called the “Garden of France” was where nobles built many of the chateaux that make the Loire Valley one of France’s most popular tourist destinations. Cabernet Franc is king here with stunning reds from Chinon, Bourgueil and St Nicolas de Bourgueil.  For the whites, Chenin Blanc takes center stage with wines with its contrasting styles from Savennieres to Vouvray. The Touraine appellation also includes excellent examples of Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay and Malbec (locally known as côt) that provide excellent quality with and competitive pricing.  So many great wines to choose from!

-We will hold our tasting outside on the patio from 5:30 PM to 8 PM on Fridays weather permitting, if it rains we move inside to the back of the shop.
-Your $5 tasting fee is refunded when you purchase a bottle of wine from the tasting. Limit 1 refund per bottle per customer.
-Please arrive 5 minutes early for you time slot as we may not be able to move you to another spot.
-No waiting in line for your taste of wine in a plastic cup and snippet of info. During your time slot you will have the presenter's undivided attention as you learn about and taste the wines from Riedel glassware.
-When your tasting is over you can browse and shop or enjoy a glass or bottle at our indoor and outdoor tables.