Learn about the French department of Nievre

Nièvre is a department in the region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in the centre of France named after the River Nièvre. It is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution in March 1790 and was created from the former province of Nivernais. This Nièvre which is crossed by the river Loire, the longest river in France, is surrounded by the departments of Yonne, Côte-d'Or, Saône-et-Loire, Allier, Cher and Loiret. The main cities are Nevers, Cosne-sur-Loire, Varennes-Vauzelles, Marzy, Decize, Imphy, Clamecy and La Charité. The department is also well known for its white wine, Pouilly Fumé.The vineyards are scattered around villages including Pouilly-Sur-Loire, which lends its name to the appellation, Tracy sur Loire, Boisgibault, Saint Andelain. The word fumé is French for "smoky", and it is said the name comes from the smoky or flinty quality of these wines. The only grape allowed in the Pouilly-Fumé AC is Sauvignon blanc, which produces wines that are generally crisp, tart, and somewhat grassy. You can learn more about this french department on wikipedia.