In Germany, the wines of the Loire are still something for specialists. Yet the Sauvignon Blancs, Chenins and Cabernet Francs guarantee many interesting discoveries. A visit to the last untamed watercourse in Europe proved this.
We are in Touraine, the "Garden of France" and the heart of the Loire cultural landscape protected by UNESCO. Here, as early as the 4th century, St. Martin of Tours laid the foundation for the development of viticulture. Some of the Loire's most famous chateaux are to be found here. And here - in the entire region around Tours, the Touraine and Vouvray appellations - is also the stronghold of Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc. Both grape varieties dominate the cultivation statistics, but for some time now they have been facing noticeable competition from Sauvignon Blanc and Gamay.