The Loire is actually four quite different wine sub-regions that run for nearly 500km along the Loire river and tributaries. The Nantais, on the Atlantic coast, with it’s cool maritime climate, specializes in Muscadet. Further inland the climate changes and becomes more continental. Here, in the sub-region of Anjou-Saumur some of the greatest dessert wines are made from Chenin Blanc (Savinierres, Quarts-de-chaumes and Bonnezeaux). The sub-region of Touraine begins around the town of Chinon, where most of the region’s reds are made from Cabernet France and continues to Vouvray, where sparkling, dry or sweet wines are made from Chenin Blanc. Finally, the Central Vineyards, including Sancerre and Pouilly Fume, specialize in Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. These sub-regions are closer to Burgundy than they are to the Nantais region of the Loire, both physically and vinously.