Famous for the grand Chateaux built by the nobility of the Ancien Régime, the vineyards of the Loire River valley stretch from the geographical center of France all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Upriver, almost as far east as Burgundy, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé produce the most highly regarded Sauvignon Blanc varietals in the world. As you go downriver, the white grape of choice changes to Chenin Blanc, alongside reds from Cabernet Franc. And as you approach the mouth of the river, the local wine becomes the white Muscadet, perfect with a platter of shellfish on a seaside patio.
