Jim Budd

In many parts of the Loire Valley , producers attest to a complicated 2023 vintage. While many producers began picking at the beginning of September, the harvest will continue into October. It has been especially difficult in Anjou, and far from easy in Saumur and Touraine . However, it has been considerably less difficult in Sancerre , Pouilly and the Upper Loire. It is challenging to succinctly sum up a vintage such as 2023, as it is very variable depending on the grape variety and the sector.

Throughout the Loire, heat and drought during the summer months were a defining feature of the 2022 growing season. Thankfully, rain that fell in August was a welcome relief, allowing healthy grapes to ripen fully while preserving freshness. As with the whites, quantities of the reds are variable depending on the extent of April frost damage to certain pockets, as well as soil type, age of the vines, and tendency of producers to rely on chemical herbicides.

The wines of Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé and their neighbours By Jim Budd This Guide was last updated on 23 April 2011 To explore this Wine Travel Guide, select from the menu on the left If spectacular and beautiful vineyards are what you are looking for then the Central Vineyards, in particular Sancerre, is the place for you. Sancerre’s steep vineyards have a grandeur that you will find nowhere else in the Loire.