Loire

Loire

The Loire is the longest river in France, and along its thousand-odd kilometres lies one of the country's most varied stretches of vineyard - from Sancerre in the east, through Anjou, and on to the Atlantic shore at Nantes. In the gentle landscape known as the Garden of France, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir each find the patch of ground where they speak most clearly, and that is the enduring appeal of the region.

Think of the flinty cut of a fine Sancerre, or the depth that schist soils lend to the Chenin of Anjou. The cool climate gives these wines taut acidity and fruit of real transparency - qualities that make them a natural match for the delicacy of Japanese cooking.