The Loire Valley remains one of the most compelling wine regions in the world not because of power, but because of precision. These are wines shaped by river influence, varied soils, and a deep respect for farming. Many of these producers work organically or with minimal intervention, allowing each site and grape to speak clearly. From bright, mineral-driven whites to lifted, herbaceous reds, this lineup highlights the Loire’s signature balance of freshness, energy, and drinkability. These are wines meant for the table, built for discovery, and perfect for sharing. Thanks for being a part of The Flock.
Wine #1: Gaspard Chenin Blanc 2024
- Varietal: 100% Chenin Blanc
- Region: Loire Valley, France
- Taste: Green apple, pear, lemon zest, wet stone
- Elevage: Stainless steel to preserve freshness and purity
- Serve: Chilled
- Pairings: Goat cheese, oysters, spring salads, roast chicken
Gaspard focuses on clean, expressive Loire varietals that highlight freshness and drinkability. Chenin Blanc thrives in the Loire’s cool climate, producing wines with bright acidity and mineral tension. This bottling leans into a crisp, linear style with no oak influence, allowing the fruit and natural structure of the grape to shine. It is a pure, everyday expression of one of the Loire’s most important varieties.
Wine #2: Sauger Cheverny Blanc Tradition 2020
- Varietal: 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Chardonnay
- Region: Cheverny, Loire Valley, France
- Taste: Citrus peel, white flowers, melon, subtle herb
- Elevage: Stainless steel with time on fine lees for texture
- Serve: Chilled
- Pairings: Fresh seafood, chèvre, herb-roasted vegetables, grilled fish
Domaine Sauger is a family estate in Cheverny, an appellation known for blending Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay to balance freshness with roundness. The Loire’s cool climate preserves acidity while extended lees aging adds texture and depth. This traditional cuvée highlights the region’s understated style, offering both lift and softness in a balanced, food-friendly white.
Wine #3: Lecointre Pineau d’Aunis Anjou 2020
- Varietal: 100% Pineau d’Aunis
- Region: Anjou, Loire Valley, France
- Taste: Red currant, cranberry, white pepper, dried herbs
- Elevage: Neutral vessels to preserve freshness and spice
- Serve: Slightly below room temperature
- Pairings: Charcuterie, roasted pork, mushroom dishes, pepper-crusted tuna
Pineau d’Aunis is one of the Loire’s most distinctive and under-the-radar varieties, known for its lifted red fruit and signature peppery character. Lecointre works with minimal intervention to preserve the grape’s natural vibrancy and aromatic profile. The result is a light-bodied red with energy, spice, and versatility at the table, showing a different side of Loire red wines beyond Cabernet Franc.
Wine #4: Ad Libitum Touraine Rouge 2022
- Varietal: Gamay, Côt (Malbec)
- Region: Touraine, Loire Valley, France
- Taste: Blackberry, plum, violet, soft spice
- Elevage: Stainless steel and neutral oak
- Serve: Cellar Temperature
- Pairings: Grilled sausages, burgers, roast chicken, lentils
Ad Libitum is a project focused on expressive, approachable Loire wines that highlight regional character without excess weight. Touraine Rouge often blends Gamay and Côt, combining juicy fruit with a touch of structure. This wine leans into ripe fruit and soft texture while maintaining freshness, making it an easygoing but thoughtful red built for everyday drinking.
Wine #5: Christian Venier Le Clos des Carteries Cheverny Rouge 2023
- Varietal: Pinot Noir, Gamay
- Region: Cheverny, Loire Valley, France
- Taste: Cherry, raspberry, forest floor, light earth
- Elevage: Neutral oak with minimal intervention
- Serve: Slightly below room temperature
- Pairings: Roast duck, salmon, herb chicken, soft cheeses
Christian Venier is a key figure in natural Loire winemaking, farming organically and working with minimal intervention in the cellar. His wines emphasize purity, transparency, and drinkability. This Cheverny Rouge blends Pinot Noir and Gamay to create a lifted, aromatic red with delicate structure and earthy complexity, reflecting both grape and place with clarity.
Wine #6: Domaine Jaulin-Plaisantin Chinon Les Hauts et Les Bas 2017
- Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
- Region: Chinon, Loire Valley, France
- Taste: Black cherry, graphite, bell pepper, tobacco
- Elevage: Aged in oak barrels for structure and complexity
- Serve: Cellar Temperature
- Pairings: Steak frites, lamb, grilled vegetables, aged cheeses
Domaine Jaulin-Plaisantin produces classic Chinon from Cabernet Franc grown on limestone and clay soils along the Vienne River. The estate focuses on traditional farming and careful cellar work to highlight site expression. With age, Cabernet Franc from Chinon develops savory complexity while maintaining freshness. This bottling shows depth, structure, and the earthy character that defines the appellation.