Latest news with #LoireValley
Times
2 days ago
- Times
Six of the best sauvignon blanc wines from France
I t's been 40 years since the New Zealand sauvignon blanc Cloudy Bay hit the UK, seducing us with its rapier-like acidity, powerful flavours and spring-garden aromas. It became such a new-wave classic that for many, sauvignon blanc means New Zealand. But it's easy to forget that just over the Channel, on the flinty hillsides of the upper Loire Valley, the grape variety is thriving in its spiritual home, in the villages of Sancerre and Pouilly-sur-Loire. Here the Loire's most famous couple, sancerre and pouilly-fumé, are the white wines of scintillating purity that have been produced using sauvignon blanc grapes since the end of the 19th century. Once staples of Parisian bistros, these wines are now stocked in restaurants worldwide, as generations of thirsty gastronomes fell for their crisp, dry charms. These are whites with a saline, stony acidity and aromas of elderflower, citrus, nettle and occasionally a smoky gunflint character.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World's Best Sauvignon Blanc Wine—According To The 2025 Decanter
Sauvignon Blanc wine with grapes on old wooden table getty Six Sauvignon Blanc wines took top honors at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards. One wine was awarded Best in Show, and five received Gold Medals, each scoring 96/100 points. The DWWA is the largest wine competition globally and is considered one of the most prestigious in the world. Over 18,000 wines were entered in the recently completed 2025 judging. Here is a brief overview and tasting note for each of these wines. Domaine Landrat‑Guyollot is based in Pouilly-sur-Loire, on the eastern side of the Loire Valley. A boutique operation, they specialize in two premium cuvées. Gemme de Feu is produced from flinty soils, and Gemme Océane comes from calcareous-clay sites near the river. Their aim is a pure expression of terroir, with minimal oak and stainless-steel aging. It was the highest-rated Sauvignon Blanc wine and was awarded Best in Show in the category. The wine exhibits floral and fruity aromas of orange blossom and white flowers, complemented by notes of grapefruit, green apple, and gooseberry, with a subtle hint of smoke and flint. It's smooth and silky on the palate, with a pronounced acidity and intense flavors of ripe grapefruit, citrus zest, and a flinty minerality. The finish is long and brisk, with lingering citrus notes and a chalky minerality. Château de Tracy is one of the oldest Pouilly‑Fumé domaines. It's located on the banks of the Loire. Renowned for distinctive smoky, flinty Sauvignon Blancs that reflect the silex-rich soils and cooler microclimate of the appellation. The wine features aromas of pear, apple, and grapefruit, with an underlying note of gunflint and white floral notes. It's medium-bodied and savory on the palate, with brisk acidity, showcasing flavors of citrus fruit framed by a tangy, flinty, and mineral core. The finish is long and refreshing with smoky accents, lingering salinity, and a chalky minerality. Vineyards of Sauvignon Blanc in Eppan municipality of South Tirol, Italy. getty Founded by Markus Prackwieser in Alto Adige/Südtirol, Gump Hof is known for terroir-driven whites. The Praesulis sits near Tramin, at elevations of 1,000 feet or higher, thriving on mountain soils of dolomitic limestone and metamorphic soils. The wine exhibits notes of citrus, green apple, peach, and herbaceous flavors, complemented by a delicate minerality. It's fruity on the palate, with crisp acidity and a persistent minerality, showcasing flavors of orchard fruit and citrus zest. The finish is long, slightly resinous, with lingering stone-fruit freshness. Rapaura Springs, Rohe Rapaura, Sauvignon Blanc, 2024, Marlborough, New Zealand, 14% ABV, 750 ml. $11 Rapura Springs is a family-run winery in Rapaura, Marlborough—New Zealand's premium Sauvignon producing region. It's known for juicy, expressive whites that channel classic Marlborough herb, melon, and passionfruit characters. The wine exhibits pronounced aromas of passion fruit, ripe melon, citrus, and fresh-cut grass. The palate features a brisk acidity, showcasing tropical fruit flavors of mango and passionfruit, accompanied by layered crisp green apple and herbal tones. The finish is long and refreshing with lingering notes of tropical fruits and citrus zest. Durbanville Hills, The Tangram, 2023 Durbanville, Cape Town, South Africa, 14.12% ABV, 750 ml. $12 Durbanville Hills is a pioneering estate near Cape Town, specializing in cool-climate whites produced from ancient shale and decomposed granitic soils. 'The Tangram' is their signature Sauvignon Blanc cuvée. The wine features aromas of citrus zest, green fig, gooseberry, and hints of herb and wet stone minerality. It's crisp and layered on the palate with a crisp acidity showcasing flavors of lime, pear, grapefruit, accompanied by a stony minerality. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering saline and tangy lemon notes. Clos du Val, 2023 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Yountville, California, USA, 13.6% ABV, 750 ml. $75. Clos du Val, founded in 1972, is a cornerstone Napa Valley estate in Yountville. It was the top-ranked American Sauvignon Blanc wine at the 2025 DWWA. Its white wines emphasize balance and food friendliness, pairing well with a wide assortment of foods. The fruit comes from well-drained gravel and alluvial soils. The wine features aromas of ripe pear, melon, honeydew, and fresh citrus zest. It's fruity on the palate, with a touch of minerality and brisk acidity, showcasing flavors of ripe orchard fruit layered with lemon-lime notes and subtle herbal hints. The finish is long and crisp with a touch of minerality and lingering citrus peel. These selections showcase how Sauvignon Blanc adapts and thrives across diverse climates, both cool and warm, and soils—from the flinty terroirs of the Loire and Italy's alpine foothills to Cape Town's cool shale and California's gravel beds. Each wine brings a distinct expression of acidity, aroma, and finish, offering a global tasting tour of this increasingly popular grape varietal. More From Forbes Forbes The Top American Wines, According To The Decanter World Wine Awards By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Wines, According To The Top Wine Competitions By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The Best California Sauvignon Blanc Wines, According To The Top Wine Competitions By Joseph V Micallef
Times
5 days ago
- Times
Win a luxury seven-night French château stay for ten guests worth £12,000
Just imagine . . . you and nine of your favourite people embarking on une balade around the grounds of a glorious château in the heart of the Loire Valley — glass of local wine in hand — having feasted on a lunch of regional cheeses, charcuterie and artisan baguette. Well, that dream could fast become reality: we've paired up with Oliver's Travels to offer you the chance to win a week-long stay at Château Les Bains, a stunning belle époque residence set in a dreamy riverside location near the spa town of La Roche-Posay. The property delivers views across 17 acres of parkland and vines that undulate to the river and there's space for up to 20 guests — seven bedrooms are found in the main house, and there's an additional trio of rooms in a separate cottage. Days here can be spent basking poolside, getting competitive in the games room or tending the vines (before pootling to the in-house cellar). There's also a grand kitchen that inspires trips to the local market and will have you wondering why you didn't move here years ago. So what are you waiting for? Oliver's Travels is providing this prize, offering the winner exclusive use of the property for seven nights on a self-catering basis, plus daily housekeeping service. The fridge and pantry will be fully stocked with up to €200 worth of products. The prize also includes two LeShuttle car passes that will cover ten people. As the château's capacity is 20, you're able to invite an additional ten guests at your own expense. You'll need to book your stay at least six weeks in advance, and travel between October 1, 2025 and October 1, 2026. Blackout dates are July, August, Christmas and Easter. For more information, click here. For your chance to win, simply vote in each category in this year's Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards. There are 17 categories in total. Click here to vote. For the full list of prizes, see closes at 23.59pm on August 31, 2025. Open to residents of the United Kingdom who are aged 18 years or older, excluding employees and agents of the Promoter and its group companies, or third parties directly connected with the operation or fulfilment of the Promotion and their affiliates, and their immediate families and household members. One entry per person. Winners will be selected at random from all valid entries. No cash alternative and prize is non-transferable. Subject to availability, Prize must be redeemed within one year and booked at least six weeks in advance of departure date. Prize must be taken between October 1, 2025 and October 1, 2026, subject to availability and blackout dates apply including Christmas, New Year, Easter, and July 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026. All parts of Prize must be used in conjunction with same booking. Winner and his/her guest(s) are solely responsible for ensuring they are available to travel and have valid travel documentation (including passport/visa/visa waiver as may be required), obtaining adequate travel insurance and appropriate vaccinations/inoculations for foreign travel at their own expense. Winner can invite additional guests, up to a total of twenty (20), at their own expense. Travel insurance, food and drink (outside what is previously declared in the board basis), spending money and all incidental expenses are the responsibility of the prize-winner. Prize is subject to Oliver's Travels terms and conditions. Stay must adhere to the terms listed here: Your information will be used to administer this Promotion and otherwise in accordance with our privacy policy at and those of the partners. Promoter is Times Media Ltd. Full T&Cs apply — see
SBS Australia
13-07-2025
- Sport
- SBS Australia
The sprint stage that wasn't going to happen, but did in the end...
In the latest SBS Cycling Podcast, Christophe Mallet and Dave McKenzie recap a dramatic Stage 9 of the Tour de France. Starting in the stunning Loire Valley, the stage was marked by bold tactics, especially from Mathieu van der Poel and Jonas Rickaert, who launched an early attack. Looking ahead, the hosts preview a brutal Stage 10, featuring over 4,500 metres of climbing that could shake up the general classification. Australian riders Ben O'Connor and Michael Storer are poised to make moves in the mountains.
Irish Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Two discounted French wines to pick up in the sale
Two wines from O'Briens this week, both of which are in its French Wine Sale. Touraine is in the Loire Valley and can be a source of great value wines. It won't appear on the label, but sauvignon blanc is also used to make Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, two of the better-known names in the region. The Château La Rose du Pin is a classic Bordeaux blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon. It punches way above its weight and would make a nice addition to your next dinner party. Château de Quincay Touraine Sauvignon 13% abv, €14.95 (down from €18.95) Lightly aromatic with elegant green fruits, citrus zest and a nice long finish. Drink by itself, with fresh goat's cheese or Asian seafood dishes. From O'Briens READ MORE Château La Rose du Pin 2019, Bordeaux Supérieur 14%abv, €14.95 (down from €19.95) A very seductive medium- to full-bodied wine with ripe dark fruits, mint and toasted almonds. Perfect served with roast or grilled red meats or firm cheeses. From O'Briens
