The Loire Valley: under-appreciated and little known, you bet. Too bad, because there are some wonderful and distinctive wines coming out of this bountiful terroir. Snaking into the Loire at Angers is the appositely named Loir, a tributary, on the slopes of which are covered with vineyards. The vines are planted in the same chalky soil underlain by granite, old volcanic rocks and shistes, as those of the larger appellation of Touraine.

The vineyards in this area were known and celebrated by Henry IV who also used the surrounding forests as a hunting preserve. Pascal Janvier eatablished his vineyards in 1992 in Jasnieres and the Coteaux du Loir AOC’s, planting entirely with Pineau de la Loire or Chenin Blanc, Pinot d’Aunis, Gamay, Cot, and Cabernet Franc.

The Pascal Janvier Coteaux du Loir 2009 Blanc is a delicious jewel in the mouth. Light straw in color with sparkling highlights. A lively perfume with ginger, white peach and lily. Chalky in the mouth and packed with ginger, lime and white peach that segue into a crisp, slightly tart finish. $15.79/750ml.

In the red category, the 2009 Cuvee du Rosier is made entirely from Pinot d’Aunis, a light-skinned red varietal. Transparent throughout, with pale vermillion edges, it sports rose and ripe currant on the nose with notes of bramble patch. Light and earthy in the mouth with red currant, cranberry and earthy flavors wrapped around a nice core of tart tannins that give it lively length at the end. This will make a nice alternative to lighter bodied rosés, especially with a chill on it. Great accompanied by chicken, a frittata or quiche. $16.79/750ml.

My next stop is south of this area along the Loire (confused yet?) on slopes that overlook the river south of Angers. Raymond Morin’s Domaine du Landreau is a family-owned estate growing Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc among others, in Chinon, Cravant-les-Coteaux and St. Nicholas de Bourgueil.

The 2008 Bourgueil from Raymond Morin is transparent ruby red with wide vermillion rims. Spiky perfume with rose petal and berry patch aromas. Bright rose water, berry, currants and hints of wild herbs and entwined earth with some tartness and length on the finish. Perfect red wine for the summer months when a rosé or white simply will not do. $13.99/750ml.

Under-appreciated? Yes. Unknown? Yes. Boring? No. Broaden your world with wines that should be better known and savored!

Just in from South Africa, and at a great price: The Ruins 2008 Sauvignon Blanc from Wines of Origin is very pale gold in the glass, with subtle aromas of grapefruit, a light, mineral driven mouth with citrus and some tropical fruit that follow into a refreshingly tart finish. $7.49/750ml.

From Oregon: Penner Ash 2008 Élevèe Vineyard Pinot Noir. $50.99/750ml.

From France: Domaine du Pegau Reservèe Chateauneuf du Pape $110.99/750ml. and Domaine Pegau 2007 Cuvèe Capo Chateauneuf du Pape $502.99/750ml.

From the most expensive to the best deals, you’ll find it here. I may not have 60 rosés, but I certainly have the best.

Our tasting schedule this week:

Friday, Aug. 6 at 5 p.m. – Peraino Estate 2007 Malbec

Saturday, Aug. 7, at 5 p.m. – Cuckoo’s Nest Winery

Sunday, Aug. 8, at 5 p.m. – Massamier La Mignarde Cuvee des Oliviers Rosé

Wine case discounts of 15% on unmixed cases of 12 and 10% on mixed cases. Call 541-338-8455, 541-510-1616 or on the ‘net at jimc@marketofchoice.com to order or for requests.