Loire Valley
MAY 2026
credit: @muscadetvinsdenantes
For the longest time, it was hard to find Loire Valley wines at a price that we could use them in our everyday wine club. Loire Valley is the land of Sancerre (and other high-end Sauvignon Blanc: Pouilly-Fumé, Menetou-Salon), but table wines seemed to elude the Seattle market, especially reds. Currently, we are seeing some good value pop up. Not sure why as value seems to be in short supply these days, but we'll take it.
The Loire Valley is grouped into 5 regions: Pays Nantais, Anjou-Saumur, Touraine, Central Loire (including Sancerre), and Auvergne-Rhône Alps. As you can see from the map, it's a complicated puzzle of small appellations on either bank of the Loire River as it works its way from its source (marked with an asterisk) to the Atlantic Ocean, covering 625 miles of territory.
Sancerre (gold on the map) is hilly with an elevation of 650-1200 ft above sea level (and a continental climate – cold, snowy winters with hot summers and moderate rainfall) working its way down to Nantes (purple on the map) at sea level (with lots of rain and moderate temperatures). Not surprisingly, the region has a wide variety of grapes and wines along the way.
Your club features a co-op oyster wine from vineyards near the Loire Estuary and the town of Nantes (pictured top) and a Cabernet Franc from Chinon (pictured above). Perfect wines for May. Enjoy!
Photo credits: Vins de Loire
Vignerons du Pallet
Pays Nantais
The AOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine is an appellation to the south of Nantes, and it is close to a one-trick-pony, growing nearly 100% Melon de Bourgogne, a grape which is made into the deliciously quaffable, minerally, white wine known as Muscadet. Locally, this white is enjoyed with oysters harvested along the Atlantic just south of the estuary.
Your club wine comes from a small (10 growers!) co-op for the commune of Le Pallet in the heart of Muscadet and one of only seven communes with a Cru status. Each grower has their own property. Some of the growers bottle their estate wines at the shared production facility, but the majority of their grapes go to the co-op for their consolidated production, of which your "Les Sardines" is one. –importer notes.
Vignerons du Pallet 2023 "Le Petites Sardines" Muscadet Sèvre et Maine • Loire Valley, France • Reg $15.99 | Mixed Case $12.79
100% Melon de Bourgogne. Nose = earth, chalk, apple fruit. Palate = apple, pear, lots of citrus, a little grapefruit. Great acidity. Long fresh finish with salinity & earthiness. If you're an oyster lover, don't pass up this opportunity for the perfect pairing. If not, enjoy with seafood & fish dishes across the board. Great sipper, too.
Chinon
Vignobles de Touraine
An appellation on the western edge of Vignobles du Touraine (green on the map), Chinon is known for its earthy Cabernet Franc, grown in vineyards of scree, gravel, and limestone. They also produce a small amount (<5%) Chenin Blanc from this area. The microclimate is oceanic (meaning mild with plenty of train) with some continental influences (mainly a larger range of hot & cold temperatures), creating a perfect scenario for Cabernet Franc.
Photo: Vin de Loire
Domaine Pascal Brunet
Chinon
Pascal Brunet (framed above) owns 17 hectares of vines in the village of Étilly. His vines are between 35 and 40 years old. Pascal took over for his father in 1979 and has always produced Chinon in accordance with tradition and its terroirs. As well, he practices sustainable farming methods. They harvest in mid- to late-October. Vatting in concrete tanks. –importer notes.
Domaine Brunet 2023 Chinon • Loire Valley, France • Reg $18.99 | Mixed Case $15.19
100% Cabernet Franc from AOC Chinon. Sandy loam, herbs, touch of spice, note of red fruits on the nose. Soft acidity, smooth. Black cherries, black raspberries, red currant with earthy, herbal components. Super fine tannins on the softly dry finish. 12% alcohol.
This wine is ready for warmer weather. Enjoy slightly chilled, sitting outside with friends. Or with dinner! The winery suggests: red meat, game & goat cheese. We say: pork tenderloin, roasted chicken, or Friday night pizza! Drink now.
A Note from Jens:
This club presents wines from tiny producers located in small, lesser-known regions along this famous river, which in turn gives you a glimpse of life and culture in this part of France. Hope you love them.
Your wine club pick-up tasting is always the 2nd Saturday of the month. We host this tasting so that you can taste and learn about your wines before enjoying them at home.
You'll also be able to taste the FLAGSHIP club wines. Our May theme is Spring Wines from Italy, featuring a Weißburgunder (Pinot Bianco) from Südtirol-Alto Adige, a Sangiovese Riserva from Emilia-Romagna, and an Etna Rosso (Nerello Mascalese) from Sicily.
Hope you can join!
Cheers,
Jens Strecker, Owner
Portalis Wine Shop
If you are here because you’re curious about our wine clubs: Here’s more general info & online sign-up. You can also peruse the last 12 months of both clubs to get a feel for the themes we pick and the wines we showcase: Portalis EXPLORES (our everyday wine club) & Portalis FLAGSHIP (our signature club).