Arbois/Pinot Noir Blend

Did you know that Pix has its own wine discovery magazine, The Drop? Our editors work with award-winning writers from around the globe to highlight fresh discoveries, unexpected values, and trendsetting producers. We feature the most exciting finds from The Drop right here. These are the zeitgeist wines, the best of what people are writing about — and sipping — right now.

Pix Curated Wines: Featured

Featured (b): Written About In The Drop

Stuck in a wine rut? Pix’s Wine Team is here to help with a collection of bottles from the pioneers and mavericks of wine. These selections showcase grapes and styles on the rise. If you’re looking for innovative techniques and new taste experiences, you’ve come to the right place.

Something Completely Different

Surprise (a): And Now For Something Completely Different

Alder Yarrow's Favorite Santa Cruz Wines

As summer rolls in, the allure of the great outdoors becomes harder to ignore. There are few better ways to answer the call than spread out on a blanket at a local park with a sandwich stacked with cold cuts. 

Yes, folks, it’s picnic season. Do you know where your cooler is? You’ll need it for all the wine. 
A good bottle of crisp white wine, a crushable red, or an easy-drinking rosé can elevate any summer picnic. And picking them out doesn’t have to be a pain. There are plenty of options on wine shop shelves that can provide picnic-perfect pours. At The Drop, [we’ve selected our favorites](https://pix.wine/the-drop/picnic-summer-wines/) in our complete picnic planning guide.

The Best Picnic Wines for Summer

The noble grape of Chenin Blanc truly shines in the Loire Valley, producing wines of exceptional character and diversity. Here, it thrives in a range of styles, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, and everything in between. The Loire's cool climate allows the grape to retain its vibrant acidity, while the unique soils imbue it with a distinct minerality that adds to its allure. Whether it's a crisp Vouvray, a honeyed Coteaux du Layon, or a sparkling Crémant de Loire, the Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley tantalizes the palate with its complexity and depth.
Believed to have originated in the Anjou region of the Loire Valley, this French gem one of the oldest known grape varieties still in cultivation today. Chenin Blanc's long history in the region is a testament to its adaptability and its ability to produce exceptional wines that stand the test of time. So the next time you're seeking a wine that can take you on a remarkable journey, look no further than the Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley. Its special qualities and rich history make it a treasure worth savoring. Cheers!
These top-rated wines have been scored and specially selected by 10 expert judges from the 2023 Loire Buyers Selection to let you taste summer in a glass.

Find out more [https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en/loire-buyers-selection](https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en/loire-buyers-selection)

Chenin Blanc: One Grape, Endless Possibilities

Looking to cool down with a refreshing yet fruity white this summer? Explore the Loire Sauvignon Blanc.


Originally from the Loire Valley, Sauvignon Blanc is an invitation to rediscover elegance and balance. It has a citrusy zing, but it also carries the whisper of the Loire's chalky, flinty soils. The region is cooler than many other Sauvignon Blanc winemaking areas, and this results in a wine that is crisp, lean, and rather more understated. The fruit isn't as overtly tropical; instead, think green apples, fresh-cut grass, and perhaps a twist of grapefruit peel.

This gentler profile makes Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc a perfect summer sipper for a lazy afternoon picnic or with a light dinner of grilled fish or fresh salads. It's simply splendid!

These top-rated wines have been scored and specially selected by 10 expert judges from the 2023 Loire Buyers Selection to let you taste summer in a glass.

Find out more [https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en/loire-buyers-selection](https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en/loire-buyers-selection)

Cool Down with these Fresh Sauvignon Blancs from the Loire

There’s a certain fragrant allure about the Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley. What makes their aromatics so distinctive? 
In the Loire Valley, the local climate and soils work harmoniously to highlight the inherent perfume of these two varietals. The Sauvignon Blancs here, unlike their more tropical New Zealand counterparts, feature a subtler symphony of green apples, elderflower, and citrus, underpinned by an enticing mineral note, the soul of the Loire's chalky soils. As for the Cabernet Franc, it's a different, yet equally captivating, tale. Cooler conditions bring out the leafy, floral aspect of the variety, resulting in wines bursting with violets, raspberries, and an unmistakable hint of pencil shavings. This aromatic richness, this sheer florality, is the unique signature of the Loire Valley, a vivid and fragrant imprint of the region's unique terroir.
Now, to truly appreciate these aromatic Loire Valley gems, you don't need much. For the Sauvignon Blanc, a lazy afternoon, perhaps a picnic basket with a good goat cheese - the region's Crottin de Chavignol would be splendid - or a light seafood dish would pair magnificently. The Cabernet Franc, with its charming florality and red fruit notes, is superb with dishes that have a touch of herbaceousness - think roasted lamb with rosemary, or a vegetable tart. So the next time you find yourself pondering over which wine to open, consider the Loire Valley. It's not just about enjoying a glass of wine, it's about embarking on a fragrant journey through the French countryside. Cheers!
These top-rated wines have been scored and specially selected by 10 expert judges from the 2023 Loire Buyers Selection to let you taste summer in a glass.

Find out more [https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en/loire-buyers-selection](https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en/loire-buyers-selection)

Experience the Bouquet of these Floral Loire Wines

Melon de Bourgogne is a summer essential sure to brighten up your day. Surprisingly not from Bourgogne, it originally found its true home in the Loire Valley, where it forms the soul of the seaside Muscadet appellation. 

This selection of wines from the Melon de Bourgogne grape is the embodiment of summer - light, crisp, and revitalizing. Picture a lively dance of green apple, lime, and salty minerality at each sip, reminiscent of a brisk seaside stroll. It's perfect for those oceanic dishes we love, from fresh oysters to grilled white fish, its zesty acidity being a brilliant palate cleanser. Discover this fresh and unique grape – your perfect summertime BFF.

These top-rated wines have been scored and specially selected by 10 expert judges from the 2023 Loire Buyers Selection to let you taste summer in a glass. 

Find out more [https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en/loire-buyers-selection](https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en/loire-buyers-selection)

Melon de Bourgogne- Your Summertime BFF

Melon de Bourgogne - Your Summertime BFF

It’s summertime, a perfect time to venture to France's verdant Loire Valley and enjoy a couple of versatile, crowd-pleasing wines ideal for a sizzling barbecue: the Cabernet Franc and Gamay.
First, the elegant Cabernet Franc, a distinctive red that in the Loire is light enough to chill yet hearty enough to hold its own against grilled meats. A touch cooler than its more famous cousin from Bordeaux, the Loire's Cabernet Franc offers aromas of raspberries, violets, and a delightful hint of green bell pepper. With a good zing of acidity and medium tannins, it's the perfect partner for a juicy burger or barbecued chicken. Did you know, here's a fun trivia nugget, that Cabernet Franc is one of the proud parents of the world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignon?
Now let's turn our attention to the Loire's vibrant Gamay. It's light, full of juicy red fruit, and delicious when served slightly chilled. This is a wine that won't overpower your taste buds but rather complements the smoky, savory flavours of your barbecued sausages or grilled veggies. 
So next time you fire up the barbecue, consider pairing the meal with these two gems from the Loire Valley - your taste buds will be rewarded. 

These top-rated wines have been scored and specially selected by 10 expert judges from the 2023 Loire Buyers Selection to let you taste summer in a glass. 

Find out more [https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en/loire-buyers-selection](https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en/loire-buyers-selection)

Loire, Your Go-To BBQ Wine

There’s a whole wide world of wine to explore. This bottle selection from Pix’s Wine Team showcases wines from some of the most innovative and respected producers in emerging regions — from England to Uruguay. Consider these the new classics; our insider’s pick of what to try right now.

New Classics From Around The World

Discover (b): New Classics From Around The World

Pix’s Wine Team is always on the lookout for esteemed bottles to hold and save. So when top offers pop onto our radar, this is where they’ll appear — be sure to check back often. Expect benchmark wines from the world’s most acclaimed producers, alongside unbelievable steals that we’re excited to share. Any of these bottles are an excellent addition to a cellar — and perfect for a special occasion.