Chinon

 

The Sauvignon Blanc grape is planted along the eastern banks of the Loire in limestone country and it produces two exceptional wines – Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre. What I did not know was that fume refers to the smoky bloom on the grape as they ripen, and not the flavour of the wine in my glass.

Chinon on the river Vienne is known for its red wines. We stayed there once in a lovely Best Western that had all its ancient woodwork modernised but with the style preserved. That stay was overshadowed by the fact that we got a parking ticket for being a little late on returning to our little white Toyota sports car. 

Worried that the gendarmerie would swoop down on us and with dh knowing from previous French holidays that heavy fines landed on those who did not pay up within 24 hours, we spent a restless night until he could go and settle the payment. (He now thinks the fine increased the longer you delayed in paying it - but then admits his French was maybe not up to the task of translation!)