The Loire Valley Wine Bureau is hosting an all out Muscadet Month in the city of Seattle. Muscadet, originates from the city of Nantes in the West Coast of the Loire Valley, which has a lot in common with its sister city of Seattle. Both are coastal and known for their shellfish. It only seems fitting to bring the Loire Valley “oyster wine” over to Seattle to match with the bountiful offerings of its local oyster farms. Muscadet is an undisputed perfect pairing for oysters, and will be the feature at 18 Seattle area restaurants from September 15th to October 15th. Continue Reading »

The wine world – particularly in Europe – has been hit hard by the painful blows struck to the international economy. Producers and sellers have had to deal with increased competition, changes in consumer behavior and deleterious farming factors caused by global warming. As a result, France is overhauling several regulations governing its wine production.

Some of the revisions can be seen as a positive step toward updating the country’s rigid and slightly antiquated rules. For example, in 2009, vin de table wines – the bastard bottlings sitting at the bottom of the French viticultural totem pole – were granted permission to list both vintage and grape variety on their labels. Continue Reading »

I had the great pleasure and opportunity to attend a Loire Valley inspired dinner and tasting at the restaurant Ortolan in Los Angeles. Where to begin…

Ortolan is an incredible restaurant, and was recognized as such by receiving a star from the Michelin Guide for 2008; one of only 16 restaurants in Los Angeles to enjoy such recognition. Ortolan chef Christophe Eme is a Loire Valley native himself, creating a menu specifically paired with the Loire Valley wines we tasted. Continue Reading »