Photo A. Lamoureux
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Do you know Pays de la Loire wines?

The Routes des vins du Val de Loire can inspire your next getaway in Pays de la Loire! From the vineyards of Nantes to Anjou-Saumur, via the Fiefs Vendéens and the Vallée du Loir, wine comes in all colors in Pays de la Loire.
From cellar tours to unusual vineyard walks, there's a wide range of activities to discover the region and its vineyards, for a weekend or a vacation!

With over 40,000 hectares of vineyards, the Pays de la Loire is a rich and varied wine-growing region. A stay in Pays de la Loire gives you the chance to enjoy the region's landscapes and heritage, as well as its gastronomy and wines.

What are the appellations of Pays de la Loire wines?

Pays de la Loire wines are part of the Loire Valley wine dynamic. The diversity of soils, relief and climate has given rise to a wide variety of wines in the Pays de la Loire vineyards.

In Anjou-Saumur, 19 AOC (Appellation d'origine contrôlée) and 1 IGP (Indication géographique protégée) wines are recognized. Over 2,000 winegrowers produce the equivalent of 179 million bottles each year from 21,400 hectares of vines! The main grape varieties are Cabernet Franc for red wines, and Chenin for white wines. You'll appreciate the freshness and flavors of the white wines, and the deliciousness of the fruity reds. Saumur-Champigny, Cabernet d'Anjou, Savennières and Coteaux du Layon are waiting to be tasted in Pays de la Loire!

In the Vignoble de Nantes region, there are 7 AOCs and 1 IGP to discover. White wine is king here, notably with Muscadet (Sèvre et Maine, Côtes de Grandlieu or Coteaux de la Loire), all made from the same grape variety, Melon de Bourgogne. Gros Plant Pays Nantais, made from Folle Blanche grapes, is a light, dry white wine that's a must-have when visiting the Pays Nantais.

On the Vallée du Loir side of the Sarthe region, let yourself be surprised by the 2 AOC Jasnières and Coteaux du Loir, the latter of which comes in 3 colors. Discover these wines with their subtle floral notes for the whites, and spicy notes for the reds and rosés.

In the Vendée region, Fiefs Vendéens, AOC Fiefs Vendéens, are the wines that grace local tables, with 18 estates spread over 412 hectares. While fresh, fruity rosé wines predominate, winegrowers also produce red wines with silky, supple tannins, as well as white wines with mineral and sometimes saline notes.

What food and wine pairings are there in Pays de la Loire?

Which wine for which dish? The art of serving the perfect wine with your meal is not something you can improvise.

  • Try the fresh, fruity red wines of the Pays de la Loire for grilled red meats and fish.
  • Go for a dry or mineral white wine if you've simmered fish or put shellfish/seafood on your menu.
  • For white meat, a bottle of white wine will do wonders.
  • Bring out mellow white wines for dessert, with foie gras or blue-veined cheese!
  • Rosés from Anjou, the Vendée or the Vallée du Loir are the perfect accompaniment to summer salads and grilled meat or fish!

Here are a few gourmet ideas for 100% Pays de la Loire meals:
As a starter, your plate of Vendée oysters will be enhanced by a Fief Vendéen Blanc from Brem-sur-Mer. To continue the meal, a glass of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine is the perfect accompaniment to your Ancenis chicken or fish cooked in beurre blanc. A red Saumur or a Coteaux du Layon completes the cheese platter. For dessert, the bubbles of Crémants de Loire or a glass of Coteaux de l'Aubance will go perfectly with your finest pastries, such as gâteau nantais or pâté angevin aux prunes.

How to discover Pays de la Loire wines?

Cellar visits, guided walks through the vineyards, unusual nights out, exceptional restaurants... There are many ways to discover and appreciate the wide variety of wines in Pays de la Loire.

A must? A visit to a wine cellar. This activity is suitable for all profiles: neophytes, budding oenologists or visitors in search of authenticity and encounters with wine and vineyards. Winegrowers open their cellars to you for tastings, so take advantage! Some have even devised tours of their vineyards on bicycles or in vintage vehicles to help you appreciate their terroirs, and understand the different stages involved in bringing wines to life.

If you'd like to combine the pleasures of wine-tasting and cycling over several days, there are several wine routes in Pays de la Loire. You can also become a winemaker for a day, to experience your passion for wine from the inside. Near Savennières, in Maine-et-Loire, the prestigious Domaine du Closel offers a day of immersion in the life of a winemaker at the beginning of every October.

For your stay in the Pays de la Loire region, the pleasures of wine can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Would you prefer a classic tasting or a more unusual experience?