Cremant de Loire: Domaine Moncourt White

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.

The Loire Valley's traditional-method sparkling wine appellation, created in 1975 to identify high-quality sparkling wine from the vineyards around Angers, Saumur, Touraine, and Cheverny, where cool weather and calcareous tuffeau soils are ideal for the style. Made by nearly 600 producers, the wines must spend at least 12 months on their lees, giving complex aromas and creamy, refined palates. While the classic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are permitted, the appellation champions local grapes — above all Chenin Blanc, which lends floral character, freshness, and vibrant acidity, alongside Cabernet Franc for its small production of rosé.