Chinon: Domaine Charles Pain Cuvée Prestige

The Loire is France's longest river, running almost 400km from the Massif Central westwards to the Atlantic, and gives its name to one of the country's most diverse wine regions. Spanning some 57,000 hectares across Loire-Atlantique, Anjou-Saumur, Touraine, and the Centre, it produces the full range of styles - fresh, light whites from Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, elegant reds and rosés from Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Gamay, plus sweet and sparkling wines. Its western vineyards enjoy a maritime Atlantic climate, while the more easterly Centre is cooler and continental, and its chalky limestone soils help the wines retain their signature freshness and acidity. Home to 69 appellations, including the famous Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, the Loire offers something to please every palate.

One of the Loire Valley's most celebrated red-wine appellations, set around the historic town and château of Chinon in the Touraine district, made chiefly from Cabernet Franc. Grown on gravel, sand, and clay-limestone (tuffeau) soils along the river Vienne, the wines range from light, fresh, and fruity to firmer, more structured examples built to age. Expect classic Cabernet Franc character — raspberry, blackcurrant, violet, and a distinctive leafy, pencil-shaving note — framed by fine tannins and lively acidity. A small amount of Chenin Blanc white and rosé is also made, but Chinon is above all a benchmark for elegant, food-friendly Loire red.