Nothing quite captures the abundance of springtime like filling a basket to the brim with locally grown leafy greens, plump fruits, and earth-crusted vegetables. Much of France’s gourmet produce is cultivated in the Loire—le jardin de la France—along its river’s fertile banks. As the weather gets warmer, weekly markets in the valley will soon abound with baskets of Sologne white asparagus, Bigarreaux cherries, Mara des Bois strawberries, and Nantes lamb’s lettuce. It wouldn’t be a French market without just-baked baguettes, but you will also find fouées: a Loire specialty similar to pita that locals serve with pork rillettes, white beans, and butter. And of course, the fromagerie stand offers the freshest, creamiest goat cheese around, enveloped in the region’s trademark ashen rinds.
     Spring’s flavors always feel like a reawakening of the senses, and wines from this lush river valley are a natural fit for this season. This delectable 12-pack puts the Loire’s abundant viticultural diversity on full display: sparkling Chenin Blanc, plus crisp and mineral Melon de Bourgogne, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, and four distinct expressions of Cabernet Franc, including Bourgueil and Chinon rosé. We rounded out the pack with Pinot Noirs from Cheverny and Reuilly, as well as off-the-beaten-path selections like “Le Martray,” a forest-berry-scented Grolleau Noir blend, and a pure, palate-tickling Pineau d’Aunis that will knock your socks off.