Kosher Food and Drink

The 174 mile Loire Valley sits along the Loire River and is known for a multitude of varieties and styles. From the Atlantic on the west coast, the regions are Pays-Nantais, Anjou-Saumer, Touraine (Chinon and Vouvray), and the Central Vineyards, which include Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre. This expansive area contains many different climates and soils. In fact, Sancerre, with its cool continental climate and Kimmeridgian soil is thus corrected to Muscadet, with maritime climates and sedimentary soils.

The Loire Valley appellation (AOP) system began in 1936 and today 51 regions exist in Loire. The most notable white grapes include among others, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Melon de Bourgogne. The signature red variety is Cabernet Franc.

With this very quick introduction, let us dive into two new wines from this region and a seemingly new producer: Pouilly-Fumé and Chenin Blanc from Baron de Mamour. They are both lovely and my notes are below.

Interestingly, as I was unfamiliar with Mamour, I did some digging and learned it is DBA label for Domaine Villebois, the growing Loire Valley family winery and vineyards. They are growing for good reason as Villebois has come to be synonymous with good quality and great value.

Chenin Blanc, in my opinion, is sorely underappreciated by wine drinkers. Perhaps the finest Chenin grows in the Loire. Chenin is made in a wide variety of styles but in the Loire, the grape’s high acidity, citrus and floral notes are emphasized.

The Baron De Mamour, Chenin Blanc, IGP, Val de Loire, 2024 was a hit. Pale gold, beautiful aromatics of honeysuckle, pear, apple, chamomile, with high acid, nice fruit, elegance, and good minerality. A crowd favorite. Mevushal is a win here as this $20 wine is perfect for weddings and restys. 92.

$22, 11.5% ABV, mevushal

Baron De Mamour, Pouilly-Fumé, AOP, 2024. Pale gold, intense aromatics of lemon, fresh green apple, lemongrass, honey, and white blossom. High acidity with bursting citrus fruit and focused minerality. Another mevushal winner. 91.

$38, 13% ABV, mevushal