Dear wine lovers,
In the very center of Loire Valley, where the well-know "douceur Angevine" (Anjou mildness) both interacts on nature and people, are planted the vines that give birth to Anjou* wines.
**This area has been discovered by Monks in the Middle Age (XII century) and is influenced by Atlantic Ocean and by Loire and Layon Rivers, creating moderate micro climates that permit raising different grapes varieties having in common a nice acidity**.
This place is also one of the few controlled appellations where the 3 colors (rose, red and white) have a real interest even if they are surely not the most famous wines from France. In these hot days, they are the kind of wines you can experience during a whole meal, starting with a dry Chenin white, always fresh and elegant, for the aperitif and some sea food. Then the fruity rose from Cabernet Sauvignon or the red Gamay will behave well with salads and light white meats. Eventually the soft tannins from Cabernet Franc red will pair fresh cheese and chocolate cakes, especially if you pour this wine cool.
To add the range, note that Anjou also produces a sweet rose (Cabernet d'Anjou) that could also behave marvelously with this cinnamon fruit salad recipe***.
Domaine du Landreau, Domaine les Grandes Vignes, Domaine de Mihoudy (video file) or the coop Vignerons de la Noelle are all offering this range of different light and fruity summer wines at very affordable prices. Also note that lots of wineries have B&B so don't hesitate to stay over if you visit this area, you will understand better what "douceur Angevine" means.
Cheers,
Jean-Marc Espinasse
Any comments, edits are very welcome at [email protected]
PODCASTS :
Listen to this whole edition in French (allow some delay depending on your speed internet connection)
Listen to this whole edition in English (allow some delay depending on your speed internet connection)
See Anjou on a French wine map
**Ce lieu a été découvert par des Moines au Moyen age (XII sciècle) et est influencé par l'Ocean Atlantique et par les Rivières de la Loire et du Layon, créant un micro climat modéré qui permet l'élevage des différentes variétés de cépages ayant en commun une belle acidité.**.
Here is a good good book on wine and food from Loire :
***Cinnamon fruit salad recipe :
Ingredients for 4 people :
Sour cream
3/4 cup low fat lemon yogurt
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
2 cups watermelon balls
2 cups of sliced figs
2 cups of sliced apricots
2 cups of sliced oranges
2 cups cantaloupe balls
2 cups sliced strawberries
Preparation :
In a bowl, mix yogurt, juice and cinnamon and blend well with whisk. Combine remaining ingredients in salad bowl. Cover and chill until serving.
