{"title":"Loire Valley Wine","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Loire Valley stretches along its namesake river through central France, and its cool climate and diverse soils support a wider range of styles than almost any other French region. Sauvignon Blanc reaches one of its most classic expressions here around Sancerre, while Chenin Blanc dominates further west in villages like Vouvray, capable of everything from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. The region also produces some of France's best-value sparkling wine under the Cremant de Loire label, along with light, food-friendly reds from Cabernet Franc. If Chenin Blanc specifically is what interests you, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chenin-blanc\"\u003eChenin Blanc\u003c\/a\u003e covers examples from beyond the Loire too. For Sauvignon Blanc, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/sauvignon-blanc\"\u003eSauvignon Blanc\u003c\/a\u003e is worth a look, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/french-wine\"\u003eFrench Wine\u003c\/a\u003e covers everything else on offer.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"monmousseau-brut-etoile","title":"Monmousseau Brut Etoile NV","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMonmousseau Brut Étoile\u003c\/strong\u003e is an elegant Loire Valley sparkling wine built around Chenin Blanc and made using the traditional method. Aged through its secondary fermentation in Monmousseau's naturally cool underground cellars, it combines fine, persistent bubbles with a fuller and softer profile than many sharply acidic sparkling styles. Refined enough for celebrations yet approachable enough for casual entertaining, it makes an excellent aperitif and pairs naturally with oysters, seafood, soft cheeses, canapés and roast poultry.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLight golden in colour with small, long-lasting bubbles. The palate is full and frothy, showing flavours of almond, fig and pear before a soft, integrated finish. Made from 70% Chenin Blanc with Ugni Blanc and other complementary varieties, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle and matures on laths for 12 to 18 months in underground cellars maintained at a natural temperature of 12°C.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Vauron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182012260719,"sku":"100148","price":137.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/MonmousseauBrutEtoileNV.jpg?v=1785122819"},{"product_id":"croix-de-maunay-vouvray","title":"Croix de Maunay Vouvray 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCroix de Maunay Vouvray\u003c\/strong\u003e is a refreshing, off-dry Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley, balancing gentle natural sweetness with Vouvray's trademark acidity. Produced by the historic Château Moncontour estate, it has an expressive, easygoing style with enough texture and fruit to appeal beyond traditional sweet-wine drinkers. Bright and versatile, it works beautifully as an aperitif or alongside seafood, fresh salads, goat's cheese and aromatic or lightly spiced Asian dishes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2023 vintage is made entirely from Chenin Blanc. Summer flowers and ripe nectarine lead the nose, while apple and homemade lemonade notes bring a juicy, tangy quality to the palate. A touch of natural sweetness is balanced by lively acidity, creating a fresh, fruit-filled and highly approachable finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Vauron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182012653935,"sku":"100160","price":167.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/CroixdeMaunayVouvray2023.jpg?v=1784062004"},{"product_id":"bourgeois-sauvignon-blanc-petit-bourgeois","title":"Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc Petit Bourgeois 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBourgeois Sauvignon Blanc Petit Bourgeois\u003c\/strong\u003e is proof the Bourgeois name doesn't only turn up on serious, cellar-worthy Sancerre. The family has farmed vines in the Loire for ten generations and are among the region's largest landholders, and this label is their easy-drinking, everyday expression, sourced more broadly across the Loire rather than the home appellation. The 2024 vintage leans bright and a little tropical, with passionfruit, grapefruit and guava alongside the classic citrus and gooseberry lift, all wrapped in a fresh, crisp, medium-bodied frame. It's uncomplicated by design - built for pouring generously rather than picking apart - and a handy way to taste the Bourgeois style before working your way up to the good stuff.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSourced more widely than the home Sancerre vineyards, this is Henri Bourgeois' entry-level expression of the Loire's classic grape. The importer's own notes describe an aromatic, floral wine with citrus, apple and gooseberry character, a hint of passionfruit, and the freshness and liveliness that come from grapes picked at good ripeness. It's recommended as an aperitif, or alongside grilled white fish, seafood, or a Crottin de Chavignol goat's cheese.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Suckling, 90\/100 (2024 Vintage)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Passion fruit, guavas and grapefruit on the nose of this fresh and fruity white. It's crisp and tangy with a medium body.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Vauron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182012686703,"sku":"100161","price":191.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/BourgeoisSauvignonBlancPetitBourgeois2024.jpg?v=1784062300"},{"product_id":"ackerman-bulle-royale-cremant-de-loire-brut","title":"Ackerman Bulle Royale Cremant de Loire Brut NV","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAckerman Bulle Royale Crémant de Loire Brut\u003c\/strong\u003e is an elegant traditional-method sparkling wine from Ackerman, the historic Loire house founded in 1811. Chenin Blanc forms the heart of the blend, bringing freshness and orchard fruit, while Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc add roundness, depth and structure. Extended ageing on the lees creates fine, persistent bubbles and a polished texture without sacrificing its lively character. Refined yet easy to enjoy, it is an excellent choice for celebrations, relaxed entertaining or serving as an aperitif. Pair it with canapés, seafood, Comté, creamy cheeses or fruit-based desserts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePale, transparent gold with delicate yellow highlights. The nose opens with fresh fruit, floral notes of linden and acacia, and a subtle mineral character. The palate is rounded and balanced, with crisp Chenin fruit and intense, persistent bubbles. Made from 70% Chenin Blanc, 15% Chardonnay and 15% Cabernet Franc, the grapes are harvested by hand and whole-bunch pressed before each variety is vinified separately. The finished blend matures on the lees for 18 to 24 months.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sante Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182025695599,"sku":"100540","price":191.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/AckermanBulleRoyaleCremantdeLoireBrutNV.jpg?v=1785126099"},{"product_id":"ackerman-bulle-royale-0-blanc","title":"Ackerman Bulle Royale 0% Blanc NV","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAckerman Bulle Royale 0% Blanc\u003c\/strong\u003e is a fresh, lightly off-dry alcohol-free sparkling white from one of the Loire Valley's best-known sparkling wine houses. It offers the celebratory feel of fine bubbles without the alcohol, combining generous fruit with enough freshness to remain lively and easy to drink. Approachable and crowd-friendly, it is a versatile option for lunches, celebrations, designated drivers or anyone choosing to drink less. Serve it well chilled as an aperitif or alongside fruit-based desserts, pastries and lighter canapés.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePale yellow in colour, with inviting aromas of ripe yellow fruit, apple compote and delicate flowers. The palate is smooth and well balanced, combining gentle sweetness with refreshing bubbles before a long finish marked by quince. The wine is carefully dealcoholised using a controlled process designed to preserve its fruit, aroma and freshness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sante Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182025728367,"sku":"100541","price":161.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/AckermanBulleRoyale0_BlancNV.jpg?v=1785125971"},{"product_id":"remy-pannier-muscadet-sevre-et-maine-sur-lie","title":"Remy Pannier Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRémy Pannier Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie\u003c\/strong\u003e is a crisp, coastal Loire Valley white made from Melon de Bourgogne grown southeast of Nantes. Its light body, mouth-watering acidity and subtle saline character make it a natural alternative to Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay when something especially dry and refreshing is called for. Time on the lees gives the wine a little extra texture without compromising its bright, racy style. Serve it well chilled as an aperitif or alongside oysters, mussels, fresh fish, sushi and other simply prepared seafood.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBright pale straw with a faint green tint. Delicate lemon and lime peel aromas are joined by green apple, pear and a fresh sea-spray mineral note. The palate is crisp and dry, with sharply defined acidity and a subtle creamy texture from maturation on the lees. Light orchard fruit carries through the mid-palate before a long, clean finish of citrus, crushed stone and fine salinity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sante Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182025761135,"sku":"100542","price":161.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/RemyPannierMuscadetSevreetMaineSurLie.jpg?v=1785125830"},{"product_id":"remy-pannier-sauvignon-blanc-val-de-loire-idp","title":"Remy Pannier Sauvignon Blanc Val de Loire IDP 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRémy Pannier Sauvignon Blanc Val de Loire IGP\u003c\/strong\u003e is a crisp, dry Loire Valley white with a lighter, more restrained personality than many intensely tropical expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. Fruit selected from vineyards around Saint-Romain-sur-Cher brings together citrus freshness, subtle floral character and a clean mineral edge. Bright and uncomplicated without feeling anonymous, it is an easy choice for warm afternoons, casual lunches or serving as an aperitif. Enjoy it well chilled with fresh seafood, delicate fish, goat's cheese, green salads or simple vegetable dishes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePale yellow with green highlights, the 2022 vintage opens with light floral and exotic fruit aromas. The palate has a lively, energetic entry followed by an expressive burst of fruit and a fresh, tense finish. Made entirely from Sauvignon Blanc selected from parcels around Saint-Romain-sur-Cher, the vines grow on limestone soils that help emphasise the variety's aromatic and mineral character.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sante Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182025793903,"sku":"100543","price":149.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/RemyPannierSauvignonBlancValdeLoireIDP.jpg?v=1785125699"},{"product_id":"marc-bredif-vouvray-classic","title":"Marc Bredif Vouvray Classic 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarc Brédif Vouvray Classic\u003c\/strong\u003e is Loire Valley Chenin Blanc in its classic form - fragrant, gently rounded and held together by bright, mineral freshness. Ripe pear, peach and pineapple meet white flowers, grapefruit and lemon, with time on lees adding texture and weight through the palate. Marc Brédif has been producing Vouvray since 1893, with its wines resting in vast caves dug deep into the Touraine hillsides. Fresh enough to pour now but comfortably capable of developing further, this is excellent with roast chicken, creamy seafood, soft cheeses or fragrant dishes carrying a little spice.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade entirely from Chenin Blanc grown on the lower slopes of Vouvray and Vernou-sur-Brenne, where the vineyards are planted mainly on chalk and clay, with areas of flint-rich soil. The grapes are carefully hand-picked and gently pressed, before a long, cool fermentation and nine months resting on lees in vat. Ripe pear, peach, pineapple and white flowers are joined by citrus and grapefruit, leading into a full, richly textured palate with lively lemon freshness and a long, refreshing finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Negociants","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53214576017775,"sku":"100924","price":455.88,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/MarcBredifVouvrayClassic.jpg?v=1784676130"}],"url":"https:\/\/stolencellar.co.nz\/collections\/loire-valley-wine.oembed","provider":"Stolen Cellar","version":"1.0","type":"link"}