June 2017 | 127
The key red grape varieties are Cabernet Franc and Gamay . Cabernet Franc comes into its own in the Loire Valley . It can vary in style from the light wines of Chinon to the medium-bodied , oak-aged reds from Bourgueil . The key white grape varieties are Melon de Bourgogne and Chenin Blanc . Melon de Bourgogne is the key grape of Muscadet , grown primarily in the Nantais region . The style is bone dry , with refreshing acidity . The region of Savennières produces some exceptional examples of Chenin Blanc . The wine often needs several years of bottle ageing but develo�s intense fruit flavours and mineral complexity over time . Vouvray is also famous for its Chenin Blanc , where it is used to make dry and sparkling wines in cooler vintages . In warmer years , sweet wines are produced using grapes from noble rot , in a style similar to Sauternes .
BURGUNDY
In Burgundy , in east-central France , nature is to be savoured as much as the wine . The most preserved and wonderful part of the region is the route of the Grands Crus , also known as the Champs-Elysees of Burgundy . This unique wine route is best discovered on a bike . You can then venture around the vineyards and stop for a wine tasting along the way .
Burgundy stretches from Dijon to Macon in the eastcentral part of France . Burgundy is so diverse and it is one of the most loved cycling routes due to the scenic , peaceful sights of the Côte du Beaune . Rich in food and wine traditions , it is home to some of the most expensive and sought after wines in the world .
LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON
Languedoc is the sunny region where Spanish culture mingles with French traditions . The Canal du Midi and the wine festivals in the summer are the strengths of the region . The wine region Languedoc-Roussillon lies in the South of France and stretches along the Mediterranean coastline , from the foothills of the Pyrenées to the region of Provence . Provence , with its more than 300,000 hectares of vineyards , is simply the biggest wine producing region in the world , responsible for more than a third of France ’ s total wine production . It also gets 300 days of sunshine a year , so a great biking experience is guaranteed . The climate is also very favourable for organic viticulture and many wineries in the Languedoc are following this trend – great if you are into this movement . The vineyards are mostly located near the coasts and take advantage of the maximum exposure to sunlight . The Tramontane wind from the northwest helps and the numerous hills of the Pyrenées balance the aridity that can plague the region .
For more tips on how to enjoy bike tours in France , contact bookings @ winerist . com