IGP Val de Loire French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
IGP Val de Loire is the regional protected geographical indication of the Loire Valley, used for fresh, fruity and approachable varietal wines, often from single grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or Cabernet Franc.
More info about IGP Val de Loire
Geographic position
Western and central France, covering the whole Loire Valley wine region across 14 departments, from the Atlantic coast near Nantes upstream through Anjou, Saumur and Touraine to the Centre-Loire and Auvergne.
Origin & history
The Loire Valley, "the Garden of France" and a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, has been planted since Roman times, and its wines graced the tables of the kings who built its châteaux. The Vin de Pays du Jardin de la France was created in 1981 and was renamed IGP Val de Loire in 2011.
Wines & grape varieties
White, rosé, red and sparkling wines, typically single-variety. Whites from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Melon de Bourgogne; reds and rosés from Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Pinot Noir, Grolleau and Côt. Expect crisp acidity, citrus, green apple and bright red fruit.
Climate & soil
Mild oceanic climate in the west, becoming more continental eastward. Schist, granite, tuffeau limestone, flint, clay and sand.
Wine region: Loire
Grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gamay, Grolleau, Melon de Bourgogne, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc