Domaine du Haut Bourg 2023 Val de Loire Sauvignon Blanc, Loire Valley

This charming white was created by a Muscadet producer near where the Loire River empties into the Atlantic.  With a Sancerre-like herbaceousness in the nose, this bright, rambunctious Sauvignon Blanc is contained in a round, almost luxurious texture.  Great value.

Global warming has widened the area in northern France where the Sauvignon grape can ripen fully, and in no place is this more evident than the western Loire valley.  Gone are the days where these Vin de Pays wines are overly herbal in their aromatics, in its place are the delicate, exotic notes of citrus, lychee and white flower notes.  Still backed up with bracing acidity and chocked-full of minerals, this wine will give others at twice the price a run for their money.  This terrific value is made by a distinguished estate specializing in the area’s specialty, Muscadet.