Valencay: Domaine Bardon Les Hauts Taillons

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.

A small Loire appellation located just outside Touraine, on the banks of the river Cher, which gained full AOC status relatively recently, in 2004. Covering around 100 hectares, it produces a small range of crisp, refreshing white, red, and rosé wines in a cool, continental climate. The whites are predominantly Sauvignon Blanc, leaning towards the style of the eastern Loire's Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, while the reds blend local varieties such as Malbec (Côt), Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Owned by a small number of dedicated producers, Valençay offers zesty, fruit-driven wines full of regional character.