Val de Loire: Domaine Moncourt Roche Noire Chardonnay

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 regional IGP covering the entire Loire Valley, stretching some 400km from the Atlantic coast inland towards central France. As a broad, flexible category sitting below the region's many AOCs, it allows growers considerable freedom in grape varieties and blending, producing approachable red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines. The whites are typically fresh and aromatic, drawing on Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, while the reds and rosés come from Cabernet Franc, Gamay, and Pinot Noir. Fruit-forward, easy-drinking, and varietally labelled, Val de Loire wines showcase the Loire's signature freshness and diversity.