Best Maine-et-Loire Alcoholic Beverage Types
This classic triple sec was created by the Cointreau brothers, who managed to distill sweet and bitter orange peels to create a slightly sweet, fresh liqueur with incredibly concentrated flavor. The brand was first registered as triple sec in 1885, and since then it has remained one of the best-selling, premium options. Cointreau is mainly used as the essential ingredient in various cocktails such as the classics Sidecar, Margarita, or Cosmopolitan.
Located in the Loire Valley, Saumur-Champigny is a French appellation and the sub-region of Samur. The name is used only for the finest Saumur wines that are mainly based on Cabernet Franc, while other permitted varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d'Aunis.
The wines produced in the region are straightforward reds characterized by their intense ruby color and notes of red and dark berries that are complemented by nuances of violets, iris, undergrowth, and spices. These full-bodied wines have supple and well-structured tannins.
Cabernet d'Anjou is a French appellation located in Anjou, mainly in Maine-et-Loire, which it is exclusively reserved for rosé wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. These bright and clear wines are typically deep pink with salmon hues.
They are vibrant, dense, velvety, and smooth, while typical aromas include red fruit and roses. Cabernet d'Anjou wines are praised for their well-balanced acidity and tannic structure, and though they are usually enjoyed young, some examples can age well.
Crème de menthe is a liqueur that is flavored with mint (menthe). Although it is typically bright green, it also comes in a colorless (white) version. While traditional technique includes steeping dried mint leaves in alcohol, some styles are also made with mint extract and alcohol.
The green color may be imparted by the addition of mint leaves or with artificial coloring. French pharmacist Emile Giffard is often cited as the inventor of crème de menthe. In 1885, he allegedly first served his creation to the guests at the Grand Hotel in Angers.
Coteaux du Layon is a French appellation located in the Loire wine region. It is known for their sweet Chenin Blanc (Pineau de Loire) wines that are produced from late harvested or noble rot grapes. Typical aromas found in these well-balanced wines include acacia flowers, honey, and yellow fruit such as apricot or quince.
They can be enjoyed young, but the best examples can age quite well and develop a typical amber color and a more complex aromatic profile that displays aromas of candied fruit. Because of their creamy texture and fresh acidity, Coteaux du Layon are an excellent match to blue cheese, foie gras, and tangy frangipane or fruit-based desserts.
Coteaux de l'Aubance is a French appellation located in the Loire valley. The region exclusively produces sweet white wines that are based on Chenin Blanc (Pineau de la Loire). These fresh and mineral wines tend to display aromas of white fruit and white flowers, while their texture is delicate and lively.
They showcase a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, and they can match a variety of dishes, including foie gras, lamb, fish, and poultry. Coteaux de l'Aubance makes a great aperitif, but it can also pair well with appetizers, fresh fruit, desserts, or pastries.
Quarts de Chaume is a French appellation located in the Loire that produces well-known dessert wines from Chenin Blanc grapes. These golden-colored wines are well-balanced and harmonious, lively, and fresh, with typical aromas of flowers, citrus fruit, quinces, peaches, spices, and honey.
They have excellent aging potential, and some vintages can be matured for over twenty years. Quarts de Chaume is an excellent wine to serve with appetizers and foie gras, and they naturally pair with desserts and blue cheese.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Soupe Angevine is a French cocktail that combines sparkling wine, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and Cointreau. Often classified as a punch, the cocktail is usually made in a large punch bowl. All the ingredients, except sparkling wine, are added to the bowl and mixed.
Sparkling wine is added next, and the combination is mixed before adding ice. The cocktail is poured into glasses using a ladle. Traditionally, it is served in a flute, and it is usually garnished with citrus slices or citrus zest. This cocktail is mostly made with Crémant de Loire, regional sparkling wine with a fresh and crisp character.
This French appellation is exclusively reserved for white and rosé sparkling wines that are predominantly based on Chenin Blanc, while the blends may also include, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and many other.
All sparkling wines under the appellation are produced using the traditional method—méthode traditionnelle—in which the wines go through the second fermentation in the bottle. Both white and rosé sparkling Saumur will have delicate and persistent bubbles, and while white version will display aromas of white and yellow flowers and white-fleshed fruit such as apples and pears, rosés will be dominated by red fruit notes.
Hailing from the Anjou region of the Loire Valley, this white French wine is produced from Chenin Blanc grape variety. Typically full-bodied and age-worthy Savennières wines have a unique character and usually display complex aromas of white fruits and flowers, citrus, or beeswax, all complemented by sharp acidity and lots of minerality.
The whole region is divided into two smaller sub-regions, La Roche-aux-Moines and Coulée de Serrant, with the latter being a single estate owned by the father of biodynamic winemaking Nicolas Joly. Savennières is best paired with fish, crustaceans, poultry, pâté, and dishes with the creamy beurre blanc sauce.
THE BEST Savennières Wine Appellations
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Best Maine-et-Loire Alcoholic Beverage Producers
AWARDS
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Vodka Gold Trophy
2022
BEST Distillerie Combier Liqueurs
Domaine FL (Fournier Longchamps) is a family-owned winery located in Rochefort-sur-Loire, in the Anjou region of the Loire Valley, France. It was founded in 2006 by Philip Fournier, who named the winery by combining his parents' surnames: Fournier and Longchamps.
Since 2009, his son Julien Fournier has taken over the management of the estate. The winery spans 43 hectares of vineyards across several appellations, including Savennières, Roche aux Moines, Anjou Blanc, Anjou Villages, Coteaux du Layon, Coteaux du Layon 1er Cru Chaume, and Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru.
AWARDS
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James Suckling - 98 points
2023
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2018
BEST Fournier Longchamps Wines
AWARDS
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2024, 2023
BEST Bouvet Ladubay Wines
AWARDS
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2023
BEST Château De Chaintres Wines
AWARDS
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2019
BEST SCEA Domaine de la Motte Wines
Best Maine-et-Loire Alcoholic Beverages
AWARDS
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Vodka Gold Trophy
2022
AWARDS
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2018
AWARDS
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024
AWARDS
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2023
AWARDS
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2022
AWARDS
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2024
Fournier Longchamp Savennières Blanc "Chamboureau" 2020 is a white wine crafted from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes, originating from the prestigious Savennières appellation in the Loire Valley, France. This wine is characterized by its bright straw-yellow color with golden reflections.
It offers intense aromas of flowers, citrus, and stone fruits, accompanied by subtle mineral notes. On the palate, it is layered and complex, showcasing pronounced minerality and a long, elegant finish. The wine embodies precision, purity, and a vibrant energy that makes it stand out.
AWARDS
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James Suckling - 98 points
2023
AWARDS
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2019
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