Loire Valley
Red — avg 86.3/100 Wine Enthusiast score
86.3
range 84–90
$17
11
red
Loire Valley — a Loire Valley red appellation. Across 11 expert reviews the average Wine Enthusiast score is 86.3/100.
Appellation profile
Scores at a glance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average score | 86.3/100 |
| Score range | 84–90 |
| Average price | $17 |
| Review count | 11 |
| Color | Red |
Dominant varieties
0, 1, 2, 3, 4
Relative standing in the Loire
Rated below the Loire Valley median in aggregated expert tastings — often a value-tier or stylistically atypical appellation.
Tasting notes
Signature flavor descriptors
Across the aggregated expert reviews, the descriptors most frequently associated with this appellation are: crisp, citrus, tannin, apple, cherry, flinty, flint, spice.
Top-scored wines
| Wine | Producer | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domaine Joël Delaunay 2015 La Voûte Sauvignon Blanc | Domaine Joël Delaunay | 90/100 | $18 |
| Domaine Sauvat 2015 Les Demoiselles Gamay | Domaine Sauvat | 87/100 | $15 |
| Domaine Sauvat 2014 Nymphéa Prestige Pinot Noir | Domaine Sauvat | 87/100 | $20 |
| Domaine Sauvat 2015 Les Demoiselles Gamay | Domaine Sauvat | 87/100 | $15 |
| Lieubeau 2016 La Fruitière Folle Blanche Gros Plant | Lieubeau | 86/100 | $16 |
Sample expert review
From selected parcels on this estate, this wine is rich and with great intensity. It has a flinty character that will allow it to age. Its apple and citrus fruits are balanced by the concentrated taut texture and finished with acidity. Drink this wine from 2018.
— Wine Enthusiast, on Domaine Joël Delaunay 2015 La Voûte Sauvignon Blanc
Terroir & Heritage
Heritage neighbours
Nearby protected monuments that share the Loire terroir include:
- Eglise Saint-Amand de La Neuville-sur-Essonne
- Château de Lierville de Verdes
- Eglise Saint-Pierre de Chambon
- Eglise de Mouilleron-en-Pareds
- Ancienne église Saint-Jean-de-Beaumont
UNESCO cultural landscape
This appellation sits within (or adjacent to) the cultural landscape covered by the Val de Loire UNESCO inscription.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average score of Loire Valley wines?
Loire Valley averages 86.3/100 across 11 expert reviews on Wine Enthusiast, with a range of 84 to 90.
How much does Loire Valley wine cost?
Average price across reviewed wines is $17. Actual retail prices vary by vintage, producer and distributor.
What type of wine is Loire Valley?
Loire Valley is predominantly a red wine appellation of the Loire Valley.
Data source: Wine Enthusiast expert reviews (data.culture.gouv.fr). Last updated: April 14, 2026.