Loire

This region is named after the city of Poitiers, it has a total vineyard area of around 700 hectares and is located south of Tours in the Loire wine-growing region in France. The area is classified as VDQS, and has already been recommended for classification as an AC, but this was turned down in order to maintain the wide range of different varieties. In medieval times, the wines were more famous than those of Bordeaux, they were exported to England via the port of La Rochelle. The white wines are blends made from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and a maximum of 20% of Chenin Blanc. The red and rosé wines are blends made from Pinot Noir, Gamay, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as from a maximum of 20% Gamay de Chaudenay and Grolleau. Well-known producers include Robert Champalou, Gérard Descoux, Cave du Haut-Poitou, Jacques Morgreau and Domaine de Villemont.