Introducing our Singletons: Crémant de Loire, Muscadet, Rosé d'Anjou & Touraine Sauvignon Blanc!
This June, following a trip to the Loire Valley, Charlotte Kristensen (aka The London Wine Girl) had the privilege of interviewing four Loire wines *cough* I mean singletons, Crémant de Loire, Muscadet, Rosé de Loire & Touraine Sauvignon Blanc. She asked each of our singletons to describe themselves and tell her their "type". Let's help our Loire singletons find their Perfect Pairing this summer!
Crémant de Loire
How would you describe yourself?
...I’m young, I’ve got lots of energy, I’m vibrant – and yes, I sparkle! I’m great at parties, but don’t get me wrong – I am not simple. I can be complex, but I am not as high-maintenance as my cousin, Champagne! Once you get to know me, I promise not to let you down – my friends would describe me as very reliable. I am always there for loved ones, in times of celebration or just for mid-week tête-à-tête...
What are you looking for in your Perfect Pairing?
...I’m pretty flexible when it comes to a partner. Oh dear! I'm not sure how that sounds! What I mean, is that I don’t have a type per se... I'm versatile, but I tend to be drawn to those that like to get out and about, whether it be brunching or going for a nice dinner – and I do like a partner who likes to party!
If you like the sound of Crémant de Loire, then here is a date for you:
NV Crémant de Loire Brut, De Chanceny | Amazon | £13.75 BUY NOW
The juicy details...
Crémant de Loire AOC is a vibrant and affordable sparkling wine produced in the towns of Anjou, Saumur and Touraine. It can be made from a range of white and red grapes in both a white and rosé style. It is produced in exactly the same method as Champagne (the “Traditional Method”) so it is a quality sparkling wine that balances freshness, fruitiness and complexity. Chenin Blanc is often the dominant grape. These wines typically have notes of green apples, white peach, lemon and subtle hints of toast and cream from the production method. The rosé Crémants de Loire display red fruit notes such as cranberries and raspberries. As Crémants de Loire are typically fruity with lots of acidity, they work well with and without food. Enjoy them as celebratory drink, as an aperitif with canapés, fish, seafood, salad and desserts – and I think they are a great choice for brunch!
Muscadet
How would you describe yourself?
...I would say I am somewhat misunderstood. Some people think I’m sweet, which is crazy! I’m actually really dry – can we make sure I’ve cleared that up? Apart from being reeeally dry (which is one of my best characteristics), I’d say I’m relaxed and light-hearted. But... don't be fooled, I still have a zing in my step! When I'm in the mood, you might find me a bit more intense and full-on than my ordinary self. However, don't be too concerned, as you'll always find that I am characteristically fun and easy-going...
What are you looking for in your Perfect Pairing?
...They say that opposites attract and I would definitely agree with this. Although I am more of the laid back, casual sort, I definitely pair well with those that have an air of sophistication and complexity... and I'm partial to a drink on the beach with someone who loves the sea!
If you like the sound of Muscadet then here is a date for you:
2018 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie, Domaine la Haute Févrie | Berry Bros. & Rudd | £12.25 BUY NOW
The juicy details... Muscadet AOC produces *really* dry wine in the Nantes region of the Loire which borders the Atlantic sea. They are (somewhat confusingly!) made from a grape called Melon de Bourgogne. Muscadet wines are easy, light and refreshing wines, with citrus notes and are reminiscent of the sea.
The appellation of Muscadet-Sevre et Maine AOC produces wines with more concentration, and those left sur lie (on the lees) typically have more texture, roundness and creaminess on the palate. The Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine sur lie wines are some of the best expressions of the Melon de Bougogne grape from this region. These wines cry out for fresh seafood! Enjoy with fancy seafood platters (prawns, oysters, mussels, scallops etc.), with simple fresh grilled fish dishes and light, creamy seafood pastas.
Rosé d'Anjou
How would you describe yourself?
...I don't want this to come across the wrong way – people are definitely drawn to my looks – BUT there is more to me than meets the eye. If you get to know me, you'll see that I'm a very animated and passionate individual – and I'm sweet too! So give me a chance and I will show you that my true beauty is on the inside, not just on the outside...
What are you looking for in your Perfect Pairing?
...I am a summer loving kind of of soul, so I tend to be charmed by those who have a bit more of that summer spirit in them. I also have a bit of a thing for Mediterraneans (!) and I love a someone with a sweet nature like me...
If you like the sound of Rosé d'Anjou, then here is a date for you: 2017 Rosé d'Anjou Marcel Martin 'La Jaglerie' | Le Bon Vin | £9.50 BUY NOW
The juicy details...
Rosé d'Anjou AOC is a rosé appellation in the Anjou region with a minimum of 7 grams per litre of residual sugar, so these rosés are at least “off-dry” with a noticeable sweetness on the palate. In the best examples, the sweetness is balanced by lots of acid and some really delicious crunchy red fruit (cranberry, rhubarb and sour cherry) and subtle floral aromas. The key grape in Rosé d'Anjou is the red grape Grolleau, but Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pineau d’Aunis, Gamay and Côt (Malbec) are also permitted. Pair Rosé d'Anjou with charcuterie (think Mediterranean meat platters) or with lightly spiced meat on the bbq (the combination of sweet and spicy is very appetising), and they also pair superbly with fruity desserts - such as berry tarts, strawberry pavlova, fruity jellies, raspberry cheesecake and many, many more!
Touraine Sauvignon Blanc
How would you describe yourself?
..You definitely know when I've entered the room: I'm an extravert, I'm distinctive, I'm exciting! I've felt at times slightly overshadowed by those I grew up with (a couple of them are really famous celebrities now) but I haven't let that hold me back. I'm racy, I'm cheerful and usually people can't get enough of me ;) ...
What are you looking for in your Perfect Pairing?
...I go for two quite distinct types: (1) the cheerful, larger-than-life, cheesy characters that love life, who are indulgent and usually quite rich (oops did I say that out loud!); and (2) at other times I prefer the more active, health-conscious, gym-going types!...
If you like the sound of Touraine Sauvignon Blanc, then here is a date for you:
2017 Sauvignon de Touraine, Jean-Christophe Mandard | £11.95 | Berry Bros. & Rudd |
The juicy details...
Touraine AOC produces white, red, sparkling and rosé wines. On the white side, Sauvignon Blanc accounts for nearly 80% of white Touraine. Touraine Sauvignon Blanc is dry with vibrant fruit flavours such as gooseberry, green apple and grapefruit, and often has a floral, herbaceous and flinty quality. They always have electrifying acidity! Touraine offers some of the best-priced Sauvignon Blanc in the region (its neighbours Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé have a larger reputation and command higher prices for their Sauvignon Blanc) so Touraine is a great alternative for those in-the-know.
Touraine Sauvignon Blancs are great food wines. The famous local pairing is with the rich and creamy goat's cheese that is made abundantly in the region. Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect pairing as it cuts through the fattiness of the goat's cheese and gives it a real zing on the palate, picking up on the mild herb flavours in Loire goat's cheese. It is also fantastic with salads and vegetarian dishes, in particular asparagus, as the grassy/herbaceous notes in the wine resonate with the same nuances in this food. Seafood fans will also be pleased to know that Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect pairing with all types of shellfish, in particular oysters, mussels, clams, lobster and crab.
Until next time on Perfect Pairings...♡
This story is sponsored by Loire Valley Wine