Fresh Loire!

Even with the Loire's soaring popularity, you can still find some incredible values such as the wines of Baudry-Dutour.

Based in Chinon, Baudry-Dutour is a collaboration between Christophe Baudry (nephew of the famed Bernard from a family with over 500 years in the region) and hot-shot oenologist Jean-Martin Dutour (who is also the president of InterLoire). The team have been restoring old vineyards in Chinon and the Loire AOP to create a range of affordable wines from prime terroirs. Jean-Martin handles the lutte raisonné farming and winemaking while Christophe gets the wines out to market. We have selected three of the Baudry-Dutour lineup that stand out for their charm.

For Sancerre fans looking for value, there is the Le Petit Lieu-Dit Sauvignon 2019, from a single plot just outside the Rouilly AOP. These days as Sancerres race forward in ripeness (and price) it’s difficult to find a wine that represents the grassy fresh zippy style that made the region such a go-to for restaurants to pour by the glass. Le Petit Lieu-Dit hits the mark with intense aromatics on the nose of wildflowers, herbs and grass while the body is lighter than Sancerre with brightness and minerality dominating the finish. This wine is ideal for asparagus, artichokes and fresh herbs that pop up on spring menus and it’s priced to pour.

A perfect red for sunny Spring days is Le Pin Chinon 2020. Le Pin is from a single organically-farmed parcel from the ancient sandy gravel riverbeds of the Vienne. The wine is refreshingly savory, with bright juicy red fruit, a touch of herbaceous mineral notes, and just enough structure to stand up to steak frites or cassoulet. This wine is extremely versatile and there’s good reason that it flows in hundreds of Paris bistros. It’s a perfect example of the rare value you can still find from top Loire estates.

Loire fans will also enjoy Baudry-Dutour's Cuvée Marie-Justine Chinon Rosé. The Marie-Justine is no simple rosé -- it has been a BTG staple at top French bistros in northern California for its quality and value. The wine is pure Cabernet Franc from gravely soils, lightly pressed and aged in steel to preserve the freshness. This is a perfect bistro-rosé for salads and light fare or drinking on a sunny patio.