Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
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    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
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In the Loire Valley, known as the Garden of France, a mosaic of magical wines rooted in its mythic past evoke today’s charming wine scene.  Regal castles and châteaux guide visitors on a wine journey that offers a taste of royalty along the banks of France's longest river.  Following the flow of the Loire River from its path only through the Loire Valley, it threads its way from the flinty soils at its inland heart, revealing a tapestry of wine styles, weaving through the tufa soils and ending on the salty shores of the Atlantic.  Incredibly diverse in its offerings, Loire Valley wines are a pure reflection of this undulating terroir.  Fresh and fruity, with moderate alcohol, refreshing acidity, and minerality, they make perfect food pairings, and are excellent values.
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Courtesy of Loire Valley Wines
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Château de Saumur and vineyards, Credit Pedro Szekely
The statistics are stunning.  Divided by terroir into five sub-regions, the Loire Valley is France’s third largest winemaking region.  Here, 3,600 wineries produce a diverse number of wines, from Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Melon de Bourgogne, and a small amount of Malbec, which is known locally as Côt.  Sparkling, still whites and reds, rosé, and ethereal sweet wines are found in 51 appellation (AOC) and 6 geographical (PGI) designations.  The Loire Valley is the largest white wine producer in France, 45% are whites, with sparkling and rosé coming in second.  Chenin Blanc, the gem and workhorse of the region, is expressive in all styles, from sparkling to sweet. The US is the Loire’s #1 export market, their combination of fresh, fruity and friendly wines are so appealing.
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Château d'Amboise, Loire Valley, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Credit Bernard Jaubert
Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the Loire Valley’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Over 300 castles and châteaux line the banks of the Loire River, making the Loire Valley rich in history and culture.  If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between a castle and a château, castles were for defensive purposes, and châteaux were residences.  Once the playground for French aristocracy, today these historical treasures serve as a tourism magnet and center of commerce, propelling the Loire Valley onto everyone’s must visit list.
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Although COVID-19 interfered with 2020’s celebration of the Loire Valley, Loire Valley Wines gave me a virtual tour of the region and its wines last Fall.  An introduction was presented through a Zoom seminar, followed by a wine tasting with Matthew Kaner of Bar Covell.  Through the lens of history and châteaux, six wines were poured, as a teaser of the essence of the Loire.  And although not every sub-region was represented, it certainly wet my palate for more.  So, here is a brief exploration of what awaits on a wine pilgrimage through the Loire Valley, following the Loire River on its passage from Orléans, south of Paris, until it pours its languid waters into the Atlantic Ocean at Nantes.
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Pouilly-sur-Loire, Courtesy of Loire Valley Wines
The Sur Loire or Central Vineyards marks the inland beginning of a 174 mile journey along the Loire River.  Although the Loire originates in the mountains of southeast France, it’s when France’s longest river meets the geographical heart of the country and makes a western turn toward the Atlantic Ocean, this is where the Loire Valley finds its beginnings.  Cradle to the world’s benchmark for Sauvignon Blanc in the forms of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, this region is renowned for its three types of soils, and the distinctive flinty character that they exhibit.
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Château de Tracy and vineyards, Credit Daniel Villafruela
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Château de Tracy is a 14th century castle, still owned by the same family that founded it over 600 years ago.  They produce some of the finest Pouilly-Fumé wines, named so for the flinty soils that give a gunpowder aroma to the wines.  Château de Tracy produces four wines, all Sauvignon Blanc.  The Château de Tracy Pouilly-Fume 2018 (SRP $33) is their traditional cuvée, intensely aromatic, there is complexity in the palate.  Exotic fruit, citrus and herbal notes unfurl into a nuanced, yet long and structured finish.
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Château de Sancerre, Credit Asbjørn Floden
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Château de Sancerre stands guard over 9,000 acres of vineyards, whose limestone soils once were at the bottom of the ocean.  This feudal castle turned château oversaw the protection of the local economy.  The Sauvignon Blancs produced here are acclaimed worldwide because of their complex profile, high acid with herbal notes, green apple and citrus fruit, and smoky mineral accents.  The Château de Sancerre 2018 (SRP $30) is relatively ripe, with citrus and white flowers, mineral with balanced acidity, and textural nuances from lees aging.  One of the world’s most perfect pairings is Sancerre with the Chavignol goat cheese that is made in the village below the Château.
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Touraine, Courtesy of Loire Valley Wine Tour
Touraine is home to many of the châteaux that line the banks of the Loire.  Here, the most diverse wine offerings are found.  Vouvray in all styles from Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc in the form of Chinon and Bourgueil, as well as Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay and a small amount of Malbec (Côt) are found here.  Lively acidity marks these wines.
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Château de Chenonceau, Credit Jim Trodel
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Château de Chenonceau is one of the most picturesque and toured châteaux along the Loire.  Spanning the smaller, adjacent Cher river, the "Ladies Castle" is nicknamed so for its fascinating history of women shaping its construction and destiny.  Rich in history, starting as a gift from King Henri II to his mistress in the 1500’s, in more recent times, it served as a military hospital during World War 2.  Domaine des Mazelles, Touraine-Chenonceaux 2018 (SRP $17), is 100% Sauvignon Blanc.  Aromatic and generous, ripe aromas of citrus, pear, apricot and tropical fruits waft above toasted brioche bread notes.  A powerful and complex wine, it has a long and persistent finish.  It is as captivating as the residence!
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Fortress of Chinon, Credit Olive Titus
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The Fortress of Chinon has seen countless kings and princes walk its medieval halls.  It stands witness to a legendary figure in French history, Joan of Arc.  It is here that her courage turned the tide of the Hundred Years’ War, and helped kick the British out of France.  Chinon is best known for its Cabernet Franc wines, which flourish in the sandy soils on elevated plateaus and hillsides.  Wines here are 90% red, 5% rosé, and 5% white.  The Marc Brediff Chinon 2018 (SRP $23) is so enticing, intensely aromatic with smoky fruit (black cherry and strawberry), spice, and a hint of forest floor.  It’s delicate in structure, elegant with a fresh profile, lower alcohol and chalky tannins, it finishes full in the mouth.
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Saumur, Courtesy of Loire Valley Wines
Saumur is honeycombed with 1,000 miles of underground limestone tunnels, known as the troglodyte caves.  These caves resulted from the local tufa stone, a pale limestone, being excavated to build Châteaux, churches, and other housing in the Loire.  In addition to being a great place to age their signature “fines bulles” (sparkling wines), they also served as damp places to grow mushrooms.  Renowned for their racy sparkling wines, in addition to Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc, still white and red wines are produced from seven AOCs.
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Château de Saumur, Credit Daniel Jolivet
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Château de Saumur traded hands between the French and the British, serving as a prison and a military storage facility.  Today, it is a museum, displaying tapestries, ceramics, and equestrian accessories.  Domaine des Coutures “L’Epanouie” Saumur-Champigny 2018 (SRP $18) is generous and aromatic, with a floral note, dark fruit, silky yet structured, refined and polished with velvety tannins and a long finish.
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City of Angers in Anjou
Anjou is the cradle for the best expressions of Chenin Blanc, from dry to the wonderful sweet ones as well.  Cabernet Franc is the red of choice, and Rosé makes up half the production.  I didn’t get to sample any of these wines, but from previous experiences, it is something not to be missed.
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Nantes, Courtesy of Wikipedia
The journey ends at the shores of Brittany, where the Loire spills its waters into the Atlantic Ocean.  Since it’s all about location, Nantes is known worldwide for their seafood-friendly Muscadet wines.  Made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape, this crisp wine, with a briny citrus and mineral profile, is a perfect accompaniment to oysters and shellfish.  Nantes exports many of their best wines to the world, and they are great value.
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Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, Credit Thierry Llansades
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The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany in Nantes had been the scene of a tug of war between the French and British, with the locals favoring the Brits.  However, after resolving this with the area being annexed to France, Nantes became a center of commerce with the Dutch in the 17th century.  They enlisted the locals to produce distilled spirits in the form of brandy from the local Folle Blanche grape, so that it could survive the boat trip back to the Netherlands.  Domaine Bedouet, Clos des Grands Primos Sur Lie, Muscadet Sévre et Maine 2019 (SRP $14) is aromatic, with grapefruit, melon, and briny apple fruit, wet stone, and a round texture from the lees aging.
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Overall, the 2018-2020 vintages were very warm years, and that was reflected in the richer body and more generous palate of the wines I tasted.  The higher alcohol and riper profile was balanced by underlying acidity.  At the start of 2021, the 25% tariff situation is still in play, affecting all still wines and Cognac, adding a significant price hike to the consumer.  Hopefully, this dispute between the US and France over aerospace subsidies can be resolved, and make these wonderful wines an even better value, as they are delicious by the glass and alongside food.
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Looking to the future, the Loire Valley is a tourist’s dream, scenic and steeped in history, easy to traverse (ride a bike!), and a delightful food and wine adventure.  Crystalline Sauvignon Blancs, savory Cabernet Francs, and succulent Chenin Blancs populate the wine landscape, bringing their own special expression of each bend of the Loire River.  Put the Loire Valley on your bucket list, and make the trip as soon as it is possible, it will feed your imagination and sate your soul!