Loire 2021 Releases

90% Chenin Blanc, 10% Chardonnay. Year in, year out, this is a firm favourite of ours for its deliciously smooth, creamy palate, and fresh, lightly citrus flavours as well as its unbeatable price. The 2018 Saphir is brimming with energy.

This pale pink rosé made from Pinot Noir is vibrant, fresh, and so easy to drink. Lightly scented with red currants, Sancerre’s signature acidity gives the palate drive and focus. Luc Prieur uses the fruit from his young vine Pinot, and the wine is juicy, bright, and refreshing: a brilliant alternative to Provençal rosé.

This Cabernet Franc rosé is such a pretty pale pink. It comes from the domaine’s young vines, which yield a fruity and open wine. It has delicate sweet red fruit aromas with a minty lift. A simple summer delight.

This sparkling pink made from 100% Gamay in the Loire has been the surprise find of this year’s rosé search. The ‘Zéro’ indicates zero chaptalisation, zero liqueur de tirage, and zero dosage. It is as dry as they come, and made much like a Pet-Nat (pétillant naturel), though the lees are disgorged at the end, meaning the wine is crystal clear and bright in colour. It has a beautiful pithy, pink grapefruit character, a light, scintillating line of freshness through it, and a gentle, creamy mousse.