Food & Wine — Loire Valley

  Chateau Villandry  Loire Valley is a vast region in France that is situated along the Loire River. At 629 miles, it is the longest river in France. The Loire River rises in the southern Massif Central and flowing north and then west into the Atlantic Ocean. This region is diverse in wine, rich in history and culture. Many regions here are classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites. From the Atlantic ocean to the East the regions are split into Pays Nantais, Anjou, Saumur, Touraine and Centre-Loire. Each region has its own characteristic grapes, appellations and styles.  As a wine...

Thanksgiving is usually a culinary favorite for many people. A menu that is so deeply rooted in tradition can be difficult to alter while maintaining a unanimously pleased crowd. The great thing about this recipe is that it combines two traditional sides in one; Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Creamed Pearl Onions. Meaty mushrooms also gives this dish extra heartiness. Combining compatible sides takes some of the pressure off the chef and can save on cook time and extra dish washing. Vegetarians don't have be to left out this year since this recipe can be easily adjusted. Even those who don't...

What's not to like about Sancerre? Pronounced as "SAN-SER", this French wine is comprised of entirely 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Popular in Paris bistro and bars, Sancerre is lively, food friendly and easy to pronounce.  Often in top demand in high-end restaurants, many sommeliers find it hard to keep it on the shelves. In the extreme Eastern region of the Loire Valley as the river turns Southwest, Sancerre can be described as an unspoiled landscape of medieval villages and sharply-inclined chalky hills. The vineyards and soil can be closely identified to Champagne or Chablis. The same Kimmeridgean chalk soil that runs from...