What’s good from the Loire? I can hear you yelling “Chenin Blanc!” That makes sense. But let’s not overlook the potential of Loire Sauvignon Blanc.
What do you think?
In today’s edition we’ll celebrate a good-value Loire Sauvignon Blanc. If you’re a fan, tell us about your favorite!
When Chenin Blanc is good, it’s really good, and its success in the Loire Valley has made it the trademark wine of this northwestern French wine region known for its stately chateaux and excellent white wines.
Sauvignon Blanc, on the other hand, as I discussed a couple of months ago, is a grape that some wine lovers love to hate. Its aromatic profile doesn’t appeal to everyone, and its flavors can vary widely depending on growing conditions—from grassy and green-pepperish to bright and citrusy.
Map of the central Loire Valley, including Touraine, from Discovering Loire Valley wine at TouraineLoireValley.co.uk
In the Loire Valley, however, Sauvignon Blanc shines. The cool climate enhances its lively acidity, and it excels in the Eastern Loire’s Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé regions, which are synonymous with high-quality Sauvignon Blanc. The Touraine region, near the historic city of Tours, also produces excellent Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, as well as some of the Loire’s rarer red and rosé wines.
This week’s featured wine, Thierry Chardon Touraine les Chardons, is an excellent example of Touraine Sauvignon Blanc. Veering neither to the grassy nor the citric extreme, it takes a tasty middle road that’s balanced, crisply acidic, and easy to enjoy. It’s organic, sustainable and minimally sulfited, and it offers excellent quality-price ratio for less than $20.
Today’s Tasting Report
Thierry Chardon les Chardons 2022 Touraine Sauvignon Blanc ($16.99)
White grapefruit aromas lead in this fresh and appealing Touraine Sauvignon Blanc from Tierry Chardon, followed by more subtle notes of fresh-cut grass that characterize the variety. Mixed citrus flavors emerge with balanced, crisp acidity that lingers in a long, refreshing finish. Made from organically grown grapes, it is fermented with ambient yeast, and uses minimal sulfiting for preservation. Alcohol content is moderate at 13%. U.S. importer: Zev Rosine Selections Wines, Brooklyn, NY, a Maximilien Selection. (Oct. 30, 2024)
FOOD MATCH: Versatile and food-friendly, it pairs well with a range of dishes, from freshwater fish and salmon to roast poultry, pork chops, goat cheese, and tofu.
WHEN TO DRINK: There’s no rush to consume it, but it’s not a wine for aging. Enjoy it within three or four years after the vintage.
VALUE:
My $17 local price compares with Wine-Searcher.com’s $18 average U.S. retail. It’s a fine value in the upper teens and is widely available for a dollar or two less.
WEB LINK:
Producer l’Aumonier offers a fact sheet in French at this link.
FIND THIS WINE ONLINE:
Check prices and find vendors for les Chardons Touraine Sauvignon Blanc on Wine-Searcher.com.
Read about the wines of Touraine, the heart of the Loire Valley, at this Wine-Searcher link.
Follow this Wine-Searcher link to discover Sauvignon Blanc and browse the global variety of this white grape.
Find the wines you want
Explore Wine-Searcher
Wine-Searcher.com is the place to go online if you want to find where to buy a particular wine that interests you. What’s more, Wine-Searcher.com offers so much more. It’s well worth a visit just to discover its many features, including its popular list of the world’s Top 10 Best Value Wines.
Good wines we’ve tried under $10.99!
Want tips to still more good, inexpensive wines? Here are Wine-Searcher links to vendors and prices for a bunch more wines for $10.99 or less that I’ve told you about in recent years. In some cases the prices may have risen over the $10.99 mark since I reviewed them, but they should still be excellent bargains. Please tell us about your favorites!
- Boutinot Cuvée Jean-Paul Rouge
- Santa Cristina Toscana ($7.99)
- Santa Marina Toscana Rosso ($7.99)
- Famille Perrin Ventoux La Vielle Ferme ($8.99)
- Boutinot “Uva Non Grata” Vin de France Gamay ($9.99)
- Laroque Cité de Carcassonne ($10.99)
- Famille Perrin 2019 “La Vielle Ferme” Rouge ($7.99)
- Querceto 2019 Chianti ($10.99)
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