Loire, France

Aromas of fresh mown grass, nettles and tart gooseberries are followed by a richly flavoured palate with a good concentration of fruit and dry typically Sauvignon finish. The wine has a great balance of ripeness and freshness with underlying minerality - just what Touraine Sauvignon should be.

Joseph Drouard and his son Christophe make classic Muscadet from 16 hectares of vines with an average age of 35 years situated on Silican clay around the commune of Monnieres. The wine is vinified at 21 degrees in underground glass lined vats and the wine rests on its lees throughout the winter. It is not fined and just receives a light filtration prior to bottling.

Fine elegant bubbles with white fleshed fruit flavours and a touch of hazelnut and almond. Crisp, clean with a touch of green apple tartness. A lovely aperitif or with seafood and fruity desserts.

The nose shows expressive aromas of gooseberry, white flowers and a hint of tropical fruit. The palate is harmonious with zippy acidity complemented by vibrant gooseberry and stone fruit flavours.

An unoaked Chinon with youthful wild berry fruit, supple chalky tannins and a refreshing Cabernet Franc tang on the long finish.

This is a wonderful, bone dry but forward Vouvray from a very top domaine that is certified organic and fully biodynamic. Soft, perfumed stone fruit and melon flavours with complexity and balance.

This wine is pale lemon in colour with youthful hues, and is reminiscent of green apples and white flowers. The palate is crisp, clean and beautifully balanced, with a long refreshing finish.

Less well known than near neighbours, Pouilly Fume and Sancerre, Quincy lies on the eastern end of the Loire, where the wines are left on the lees in tank until just before bottling. This adds an extra dimension of concentration and richness.

The thoroughbred name of Saumer and a high class wine. A blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc with two years bottle age. A deep, creamy, white fruit nose with a citrus yeasty palate.

This is a ripe, full Cremant de Loire Rose from a top producers in Saumur. Bright, crisp red currant fruit on nose and palate.