France’s Loire River, the longest in the country, runs from the Massif Central mountains in the center of France out to the Bay of Biscay on the western Atlantic coast. The flint, limestone and clay soils found along the river produce vibrant cool-climate white wines, primarily from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, as well as some excellent Cabernet Francs. The appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, located inland in the Centre Loire, produce the region’s very finest wines.

The Château de Tracy is one of many stately castles on the banks of the Loire. Wine grapes have been grown at the Château since the 16th century, and today the estate’s 67-acre vineyard is overseen by the de Tracy heir, Count Henry d’Assay, who farms the estate vineyard in a gentle, sustainable manner. This château is a leader in the region and known for producing classically-styled, unoaked Pouilly-Fumé with textbook grapefruit and grass flavors.