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16 | OHCC LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2021 | The Loire River is France's longest river and the seventeenth longest river in the world. It starts an elevation of 4,430 feet in the Massif Central and flows 625 miles to the Bay of Biscay at the Atlantic Ocean. The Loire Valley is famous worldwide for its spectacular chateaus, but it is also home to some excellent wine production. With the different altitudes, soil compositions and atmospheric conditions, the wines produced along the river are quite diverse. The Loire Valley wine regions stretch from the Muscadet region near Nantes on the Atlantic Coast to the region of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé near the city of Orléans in north central France with the regions of Anjou, Saumur, Bourgueil, Chinon and Vouvray in between. In the Muscadet region, the Melon de Bourgogne grape is used to produce the appellation's white wine. It is a bone-dry, light bodied white wine with citrus-like taste and high acidity. The Anjou region is known for the rosé wines made from the Grolleau and Cabernet Franc grapes, and white wines are made from the Chenin Blanc. The area around Saumur produces sparkling wines made from the Chenin Blanc grape. The red wines produced in Saumur is based on the Cabernet Franc grape. Cabernet Franc is the 'parent' of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It pairs well with tomato-based dishes and smoky BBQ. Bourgueil and Chinon regions primarily produce red wines made from the Cabernet Franc grape. Chinon wines produce a soft and rich expression of the grape where Bourgueil produces more tannic and firm wines. Vouvray, located in the Touraine district, is planted almost exclusively with the Chenin Blanc grape. The wine is variable due to the different climate conditions. Cooler years produce dry wines and sparkling Vouvray where warmer conditions result in a sweeter wine similar to a dessert wine. Vouvray has delicate floral aromas and a boisterous taste that will pucker your lips. The OHCC Wine Tasting Club is open to all residents of Ocean Hills Country Club for an annual fee of just $12 per person. Just complete a membership form at the Clubhouse and have it placed in the Wine Tasting Club envelope. Wine Tasting Club