Loire Valley Wines Explained: From Muscadet to Sancerre
France's Loire Valley stretches from the Atlantic inland. Expect crisp Muscadet, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, with styles ranging from bone-dry to sweet and sparkling.
Burgundy is one of the world's most influential wine regions, producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines that serve as benchmarks for quality and style.
Beginner-friendly guides designed to help you understand wine with confidence.
France's Loire Valley stretches from the Atlantic inland. Expect crisp Muscadet, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, with styles ranging from bone-dry to sweet and sparkling.
Chablis is a northern Burgundy region known for dry white wines made from Chardonnay. Its cool climate and varied vineyard sites produce wines that are typically fresh, citrus-fruited and savoury, with four appellation levels ranging from Petit Chablis to Grand Cru.
The best wine with cheese depends on the style of cheese, but Champagne, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are among the most versatile choices. Match the wine's body and acidity to the cheese's richness for the most balanced pairing.
There isn’t a single “best” wine with salmon, but Pinot Noir is often considered the most versatile overall choice thanks to its bright acidity, silky tannins and delicate red fruit. For sashimi, choose dry Riesling or Champagne. For grilled salmon, Chardonnay and Gamay are excellent alternatives.
A lightly oaked Chardonnay is one of the most reliable wines for roast chicken. Its fresh acidity, moderate body and subtle oak complement crispy skin and juicy meat without overpowering the dish. Pinot Noir and dry Chenin Blanc are excellent alternatives.
Jura is a small eastern French wine region bordering Switzerland, renowned for Savagnin, Vin Jaune, distinctive oxidative wines, elegant Chardonnay and light, fragrant reds made from native grapes.
Burgundy is an eastern French wine region famous for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Its wines range from crisp Chablis to complex reds and rich whites with flavours of citrus, orchard fruit, red berries and savoury earth.
Chardonnay is a white grape known for apple, citrus and peach flavours. Depending on winemaking choices, it can also show buttery notes and vanilla. It is famous in Burgundy, Champagne, California and Australia, and is loved for its range from crisp and refreshing to rich and creamy.
Pinot Noir is an elegant red grape that produces light- to medium-bodied wines with bright acidity, soft tannins and flavours of cherry, raspberry, strawberry, rose and earthy notes. Originally from Burgundy, it now excels in cool-climate regions worldwide.
Second Glass
Second Glass writes about wine. Please confirm you are old enough to view alcohol-related content in your location.
Please drink responsibly.