To Pinpoint the Loire Valley’s Best Values, Head to Chambers Street

If the Loire Valley only had its lovely vistas, byways, and chateaux, it would be blessed enough. But the region, halfway between Paris and Bordeaux, also has white, red, and sparkling wines of great variety and easy quaffing. The only problem is that, due to a myriad of small growers and confusing appellations, the Loire’s best values can be hard to pinpoint. For expert advice in buying and enjoying Loire wines, my advice is to head to Chambers Street Wines in TriBeCa, the city’s reigning specialist in this region. There, under the high ceilings of a former firehouse, you’ll find more than 60 different Loire wines. Each has been hand-picked by David Lillie, the shop’s coproprietor. Mr. Lillie, a dour-looking man of 55, doesn’t say much – until the topic turns to his favorite wines. The man is a Loire freak.