Two Loire agencies for Louis Latour

Until now the London branch of the Burgundy négociant Louis Latour has confined itself to selling its own wines in Burgundy and the Ardeche.

So it is a breakthrough to find it listing two white wine producers from the Loire: Marquise de Goulaine from the Sävre et Maine area and Michel Redde & Fils from Pouilly which makes Sancerre as well as Pouilly Fumé.

It is worth noting that the present Marquis Robert de Goulaine claims that his family has been making wine on the estate for more than 1,000 years. A cuvée made from specially selected grapes every year crowns the Goulaine production, and the 1992 is listed at £53.90.

The Michel Redde Pouilly Fumé La Moynerie 1992 at £77.25 has engaging fruit and a pleasing, long finish which makes it more accessible than most Loire Sauvignon Blancs. Sancerre, on the opposite side of the river from Pouilly, is said to be steelier and more austere. Michel Redde's Sancerre Les TuiliÁ¤res 1992 (£77.25) is adequately restrained and unmistakably of the region with a friendly, approachable quality. This will endear it to restaurant customers who don't want to ponder complex layers of gunflint and gravel on the palate.

Both of these newcomers are restaurant wines par excellence and will be welcome additions to the Burgundies from the Latour stable. Enquiries to Louis Latour (071-409 7276).