Loire

Regional appellation in the eastern section of the middle Loire in central France, named after the city of Tours, also the bishop’s seat in the area. The vineyard area totals 5.500 hectares. It adjoins the Anjou-Saumur region, which lies to the west. Both the city and viticulture in the region date back to Roman times. Legend has it that vine pruning was invented here in the 4th century, when a donkey owned by Martin of Tours (later Saint Martin) nibbled the young shoots of vines. Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) died at Amboise castle, located above the small town of the same name. The vineyards are located on steep slopes along both banks of the Loire, as well as of its tributaries, the Cher, Indre and Vienne. Wines intended for early consumption are produced under the Touraine appellation. The white wine is mostly made purely from Sauvignon Blanc, although Chenin Blanc, Arbois and a maximum of 20% of Chardonnay are also permitted. The red wine is made from Cabernet Franc (Breton), Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec (Côt) and Gamay. Rosé is made from Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Grolleau, Pineau d´Aunis and a maximum of 10% of Teinturier varieties.
In addition, there are 3 communal appellations with significantly more strict regulations. The AC Touraine-Amboise covers 160 hectares in the commune of Amboise, including 7 surrounding communes, and apples to white, red and rosé wines. The AC Touraine-Azay-le-Rideau covers 150 hectares in 8 communes on both banks of the Indre river, and applies to white and rosé wines. The AC Touraine-Mesland covers 200 hectares in the commune of Mesland, including 5 surrounding communes, and applies to white, red and rosé wines. A relatively new AC Touraine Noble-Joué (since 2001) covers only 21 hectares, and applies to vin gris (very pale rosé wine) made from Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. This type of wine, sourced from the environs of Tours, was drunk at the court of the French king Louis XI. (1423-1483). The appellations Touraine Mousseux and Touraine Pétillant apply to sparkling resp. perlé wines in red, rosé and white. Well-known producers from the region in general include Château de Chenonceau, Château Gaillard, Château de la Presle, Domaine des Corbillières, Domaine Gibault, Domaine Henri Marionnet, Domaine Jacky Marteau, Domaine Michaud, Domaine du Pre Baron and Domaine du Vieux Pressoir. Communal appellations in or around the Touraine district are Bourgueil, Chinon, Cheverny, Coteaux du Loir, Coteaux du Vendômois, Jasnières, Montlouis-sur-Loire and Vouvray.