Loire. 2005, an almost ideal year

2005 has been among the warmest years for more than thirty years in Loire Valley. Far from the aggressive heat of 2003, the permanent sunshine in 2005 gave way to some long fresh nights that allow the grape aromas to be preserved. In the center of France, 'this year has been almost ideal. The harvest is beautiful, healthy, rich, concentrated and well balanced and in reasonable. What could we expect in addition?' says Marie-France Mellot, owner of La Moussière, one of the greatest Sancerre wines from Alphonse Mellot's domain. Professionals of Loire Valley wines echo this idea: if they push forward their feeling that 2005 will be 'a vintage of wisdom' for Anjou, Saumur and Touraine wines, they consider that all the conditions are there in order to let 2005 becoming an exceptional vintage, close to the 1990 and 1996's.

2005, October 11 - © France soir

Other information :
• Sancerre
• Loire Valley
• Alphonse Mellot