#Loire valley wine maps full#
#Loire valley wine maps series#

It was not just a telling of the Bible, it was also intended as a political statement during the Hundred Years War between England and France.

#Loire valley wine maps series#

The story is divided into six ‘chapters’ following the last chapter of the New Testament and shows a series of prophetic visions that illustrate the return of Christ, his victory over evil, and the end of the world. The tapestry is vast, exhibited in a large darkened gallery in the castle at Angers, and it put the fear of God into me when I first saw it. But in terms of sheer drama, the Apocalypse Tapestry wins. That's understandable: the Bayeux tapestry tells the story of the conquest of England by William the Conqueror so it's taught at schools in Britain from a very early age. The Apocalypse Tapestry in Angers is much less well known than the Bayeux Tapestry. Top Bed and Breakfast in the Loire Valley Read guest reviews, compare prices and book on TripAdvisor In July and August, the gardens are open at night letting you wander through at your own pace, listening to Italian classical music. The door at the end leads out to the gardens which stretch out in a series of themes, from Catherine's garden with its sweet-smelling rose trees to the impressive vegetable garden and a maze. Cross the long gallery over the bridge where Catherine de Medici held infamous parties.

#Loire valley wine maps full#

The interior is just as captivating, full of tapestries, furniture and paintings decorating the high-ceilinged rooms. Started by Katherine Briconnet in 1515, it was Diane de Poitiers, mistress of Henri II, who built the characteristic aches spanning the river, and Catherine de Medici, the wife of Henry II, who built the two-story gallery on the bridge modeled on Florence. Spanning the river Indre which flows slowly through its lower arches, this Renaissance masterpiece is known as the Ladies’ Château. Sauvignon Blanc is also ideal match for the notoriously difficult to pair asparagus and artichoke, and is surprisingly appealing with dishes spiced with saffron.įrom top to bottom, the Loire valley has the perfect fill for both glass and plate.Of all the gracious châteaux that fill the Loire Valley, the château of Chenonceau is a real favourite. The region boasts five AOPs for distinctive regional specialties such as Sainte Maure de Touraine and Selles sur Cher. Sauvignon Blanc and goat cheese is perhaps the Loire’s most famous wine and food pairing, and for good reason. Cabernet Franc, with its dark fruits and restrained tannin is a perfect summer red with grilled meats or bean-based salads. A dry, chiseled Chenin Blanc is one of the easiest wines to pair with food-its bright acidity cuts through the richest sauces, while its textured palate holds its weight against roasted game.

There is an earthy, savory character to both the white and red wines of Touraine, making them a natural match for the region’s mushrooms. Asparagus, black truffles, artichokes, saffron and all kinds of fruit crowd the baskets of local farmer’s markets. Famed for the lush flower gardens of France’s aristocratic past, the area is also known for abundant food crops. The middle Loire, especially around Touraine, is the classic garden section of the region. The concentrated flavors of Muscadet cru complement quite a bit more than just seafood, try them with your next roasted bird or plate of greens. The extra aging adds significant body and an autolytic creaminess, making these wines able to match wits with butter-based sauces and heavier proteins. The elegant wines of the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC crus (Clisson, Gorges and Le Pallet) age sur lie quite a bit longer than the regular appellation. Muscadet, the area’s most famous wine, is a famed partner for local oysters, but it also pairs wonderfully with other ocean fare such as mussels, fish and shrimp.

Closest to the ocean, the Pays Nantais sub-region is known for crisp, mineral white wines made from grapes grown in volcanic soils.