The Loire is sometimes thought of as being France's great summer wine producer. Certainly the best examples of Sancerre and Muscadet have the feel of sunshine about them, but there is a great deal more to the region than this. Its reds can be powerful, complex and long-lived, and some of the dessert wines from areas such as Coteaux de l'Aubance can rival those of Sauternes in Bordeaux. Five main grape varieties are generally used - Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadet for the whites, Cabernet Franc and Gamay for the reds - although other varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay can be found. These grapes are planted in their suitable areas so that Sauvignon, for example, is to be found in the eastern area, known as the upper Loire, where the soil is chalky. The variety of wine produced is varied - red, rosé, white, dessert and sparkling wines all have their place - as is the quality, but although the wines may be associated with summer it is actually around the festive Christmas season that much of the Sauvignon produced is actually consumed…