AOC Coteaux du Loir wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

A.O.C./A.O.P.

this 80-hectare area, which is home to a varietal range comprised of Gamay, Pinot noir, Chenin and Pineau d’Aunis, is set on the left bank of the Loir (22 towns and villages in Sarthe and Indre-et-Loire). It is the most northerly of the Loire appellations. Most of the wines are grown in and around Lhomme, Ruillé-sur-Loir, Chahaines and Marçon. The soils are clay silica on a bedrock of chalk (‘tuffeau’) with occurrences of limestone marl. The region enjoys a mild climate defined by the Atlantic.

Grape varieties: Vins rouges, rosés : pineau d'Aunis, gamay, pinot noir, cabernet franc, cabernet-sauvignont. Vins blancs secs : chenin

The wines of this appellation

the reds are light, lively, fresh quaffing wines with a pleasant bouquet. They are highly reminiscent of Touraine wines. They display a pale hue and fragrances of morello cherry, cinnamon and spices (pepper). They can be served with cooked cold pork meats (potted meat, Vire andouille), white meats, grilled red meats, meat pie, black pudding with apples, poultry. The whites (Pineau de la Loire) are dry, vigorous wines for cellaring. They develop vegetal aromas. A good match for fish and seafood, cooked cold pork meats and white meat served in a sauce.