The Loire is special. Wine has been made in that region for over two thousand years. Julius Caesar's Rome invaded Gaul in 58 BC and brought viticulture with them. As they made their way north from Marseilles, vineyards were planted in some of the most famous vineyards of modern France. Superior soils were recognized, among them the soils of the Loire Valley. I recently had a chance to taste some fantastic wines from an importer called Jon-David Headrick Selections that represents small production artisinal wine from France, principally from the Loire.  Starting at the Atlantic Ocean, at mouth of the Loire River is an area called Pays Nantes that makes the wines of Muscadet.

His Domaine de la Fruitiere from the superior appellation of Muscadet Sevre et Maine, is dry and crisp but with enough ripe fruit to make this wine one you will want to drink by itself. But please pair it with mussels and clams steamed simply with an herb and white wine broth and plenty of crusty baguette.

Also from the same area is a small VDQS, which in French law is one quality level below the top AOC quality level, called Feif Vendeens. I featured the Domaine Saint Nicolas "Les Clous" from his portfolio at our recent Paris Chefs dinner at Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro with two of the courses. It was by far the most popular wine of the four that were poured. It is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Chenin Blanc, with flavors of red apples and peaches and is also dry. This wine is lovely and is also very reasonably priced.

Three other whites from him that are complete standouts are:

Domaine Laureau Savennieres, 100% Chenin Blanc that is vinted dry and grown on soils of schist and quartz with notes of white flowers and orange peel.

Domaine des Huards Cheverny Blanc, mostly Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of chardonnay has flavors of honeydew and tart apples.

La Tour St. Martin Menetou-Salon Blanc, 100% Sauvignon Blanc with piercing aromas of grapefruit skin and minerals, is by far my favorite of these three.

These wines probably will not be in your local wine store but you can ask for them to be special ordered.  They are so wonderful to drink and pair so perfectly with all of the foods we love to eat in the summer.  You will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of these wines and how happy your wallet will be.