Vouvray (wine) blanc grape, known locally as "Pineau de la Loire", is believed to have originated in the Anjou wine region sometime in the 9th century and from there eventually migrated to Vouvray. In the 16th and 17th century, Dutch merchants oversaw the plantings of many vineyards in the area to be used for wine trade with markets in London, Paris and Rotterdam. Grapes from all over Touraine were brought together in a mass blending labeled simply as "Vouvray". Wine cellars were built in the region from caves created from the excavation of tuffeau rocks used to build the Châteaux of the
French frigate Loire (1796) of the bay, forcing the French ships to flee to the north. Pressing on sail in pursuit, Newman ordered "Révolutionaire" to focus on "Sémillante" whilst he pursued "Loire" in , accompanied by the brig under Commander Edward Brace. "Loire" and "Sémillante" separated to divide their pursuers; "Mermaid" and "Kangaroo" lost track of "Loire" in the early evening, and "Sémillante" evaded "Révolutionaire" after dark. "Mermaid" and "Kangaroo" eventually found "Loire" on 17 October, but after an inconclusive fight that left the British unable to pursue, "Loire" broke off the engagement and escaped. The next day "Loire" again engaged "Kangaroo" and "Anson",