This is an except of an original article published on Somm TV Magazine.

The Loire is the longest river in France and a cradle of French history and culture. The latter rings especially true in the Middle Loire Valley, where lush forests and lavish Renaissance castles flank the Loire river banks. Tributaries cut through valleys and created diverse landscapes… no wonder it is often referred to as le jardin de la France – The Garden of France – a UNESCO world heritage site.

To garner a thorough understanding of the Loire Valley is not an easy feat. Therefore, the best way to discover it is in bite-sized chunks and by letting the river guide us.

After travelling north for 280miles (450km) from its source in the Massif Central, the Loire river reaches maturity at Orléans. It redirects its stream towards the west and flows through Tours, Saumur, Angers, and Nantes before emptying itself in the Atlantic ocean.

Middle Loire

The Middle Loire Valley is a mosaic of magical landscapes and the kingdom of Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Gamay. It’s made up of a wide range of soils and climats that span five sub-regions. From upstream to downstream, they include: Orléans, Loir Valley, Touraine, Saumur, and Anjou.

Orléans

Orléans is the northernmost wine-growing area of Loire. During the Renaissance, it was a highly-regarded region and often compared to Beaune and Bordeaux. Although the region has not regained its glory, quality-focused producers are now producing excellent wines reminiscent of the old days.

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