Menetou-Salon: Kevin et Karine Lauverjat Moulin des Vrilleres

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 well-regarded appellation in the eastern Loire, just south-west of Sancerre, divided across 10 communes. Its two main grape varieties are Sauvignon Blanc for the whites and Pinot Noir for the reds and rosés. Grown on the same Kimmeridgian limestone soils as its more famous neighbour, the crisp, aromatic whites offer zesty citrus and mineral character, while the reds are light and elegant with fresh red fruit.