Loire Valley | 2010 vintage
2010 was not a straightforward year for most wine growers, but the cream of the crop prefer this type of year when they know that their expertise will make all the difference. This was particularly true in domaines run on organic or biodynamic lines, where grapes ripened earlier and more evenly, thus eliminating excess acidity and alcohol from these 2010 wines. The reds have a fine density of particularly subtle tannins; they are pleasant to drink young and guaranteed to develop well in the bottle in the case of the best blends. Many reds from 2010 have the potential to be classic wines which will improve over the next ten plus years. In terms of white wines, wine growers had to be vigilant and careful to avoid the pitfalls of excessive alcohol and residual sugars. Where this was the case, whites retain a fruitiness and a sharp edge which is pure and light, like the best white wines grown on chalk.
After a hot 2009 in Bourgueil and the Saumur region, ideal for ripening red wines (with occasional excessive roundness and depth), 2010 returned to the traditional Loire mould with fresher, more easy-drinking balances. As a general rule these wines are more balanced than 2009 wines, probably with slightly less immediate appeal, but with a more seductive tannin/alcohol/acidity triangle in the depths of the wine. Red wines are very subtle and elegant and will make a good accompaniment to food. Their fine fruit and crunchy tannins will be wonderful after a few years of cellaring in the case of more ambitious wines.
In Vouvray and Montlouis, the summer as a whole, and the month of August in particular, gave wine growers in the area a few frights. Fortunately, September was a fine month which allowed the ripening process to make up lost ground. Rain made the harvests more difficult, but the most meticulous wine growers know how their soils and parcels react and own older vines less susceptible to outbreaks of rot and therefore did very well. Their dry whites are classic Loire Chenins, with fine aromatics, fresh, taut and very dry. These traits make them very good wines for accompanying food.
Muscadets overall are very successful with wines from perfectly ripe grapes delivering a very fine balance between substance and acidity, which ensure that the best blends will improve over the next ten years or so.
In Sancerre and the Centre-Loire, 2010 was also a fine year, balancing acidity and ripeness. The wines deliver a good degree of tautness, but also an interestingly rich substance, which is more balanced than in 2009.
