Although now known for its outstanding natural beauty, magnificent châteaux and stylish wine, in the mid-1800s the Loire Valley produced the most Black Winter Truffles in the world – in excess of 1,000 tons.
This was due to the combination of ideal soil conditions and climate. As a result of the decimation caused by the First World War, the production of Black Winter Truffles in France diminished dramatically – France now produces around just 60 tons annually, making them a prized rarity.