Vouvray (wine) towards drier styles of wine including sparkling Vouvray. More warmer climate years promote the production of sweeter, dessert style wines. The northern location and relatively cooler climate combines to make harvest in Vouvray one of the last to completed in France, often lasting into November. Vineyards are usually planted on the plateau above the river bank in soils composed of gravel and clay on top of tuffeau. Chenin blanc is the dominant and nearly exclusive grape of Vouvray. While the obscure minor grape Arbois is permitted in the Vouvray AOC, it is rarely seen. With more than 5,000 acres (2,000
Loire (department) Loire (department) Loire (; ; ) is a department in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes occupying the River Loire's upper reaches. Loire was created in 1793 when the Rhône-et-Loire department was split into two, about 3½ years after it was created. This was a response to counter-revolutionary activities in Lyon which, by population, was the country's second largest city. By splitting Rhône-et-Loire the government sought to protect the French Revolution from the potential power and influence of counter revolutionary activity in the Lyon region. The departmental capitals throughout its history are as follows: Loire is part of the current administrative region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and