Lured In By The Loire

Get the glasses: It's maritime for wine.

Loire Valley Wines' Muscadet region is so close to the Atlantic the grapes are practically swimming. Their floral white wine has a lively mineral quality reminiscent of the salty ocean water, making it a perfect choice for a seafood soiree.

With some vineyards even located right along the shore, it's only natural that the wine works so well alongside mussels, clams and fish. Try these recipes with a bottle of crisp Muscadet for a seaworthy cocktail hour:

• Give oysters the bacon treatment and serve them on the half shell with buttery bread crumbs and grilled leeks.

• Top rounds of halibut carpaccio with thinly sliced radishes, summery stone fruit and a citrus seasoning paste.

• Let sardines shine in this open-faced sandwich topped with smooth crème fraîche and sweet-and-sour onions.

Buy a bottle of Muscadet and you'll reel in the rest of summer hook, line and sinker.