Coteaux du Loir

• Chenin Blanc: Offers flavors of apple, honey, and floral notes with lively acidity, ranging from crisp, mineral-rich dry wines to decadent, sweet late-harvest styles.
• Pineau d’Aunis: Yields light- to medium-bodied reds and rosés with a peppery kick, red-berry flavors, and herbal touches; focuses on freshness with moderate tannins.
• Cabernet Franc, Malbec (Côt), and Gamay: Often blended with Pineau d’Aunis in reds and rosés to add fruitiness and structure.
• Grolleau Noir: Allowed in rosé blends, enhancing the aromatic profile.
• Wine Styles: Includes dry reds and rosés, and both dry and sweet whites. Reds and rosés are aromatic with strawberry and raspberry notes, while whites showcase the region’s distinctive limestone-influenced minerality.

In Coteaux du Loir, vineyards thrive on steep slopes along the Loir River, benefiting from a south to southeast orientation. This positioning ensures optimal sun exposure, crucial for the full ripening of Chenin Blanc and Pineau d’Aunis. The soil, a blend of limestone, limestone-clay, and siliceous elements, enhances drainage while retaining moisture, critical during dry summers. This terroir imparts a notable mineral quality to the wines.

The climate, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, is temperate yet cooler compared to central Touraine, with warm summers, cool nights, and mild winters. Spring frosts can pose a challenge, especially in lower areas. Moderate rainfall and significant diurnal temperature variations contribute to wines with bright acidity and elegance. This unique combination of terroir and climate enables Coteaux du Loir to produce wines that are both lively and mineral-rich, captivating those who appreciate the distinct character of Loire Valley wines.

The Coteaux du Loir region, with its charming landscape and historic cellars, is home to several notable wineries. These family-run domaines embrace the area's unique terroir, crafting wines that reflect the distinct character of the Loire Valley:

• Domaine de Bellivière: Renowned for its Chenin Blanc and Pineau d’Aunis, this estate uses organic and biodynamic practices.
• Domaine Lelais: A small, family-operated winery known for its dedication to traditional methods and expressive wines.
• Domaine Gigou: Offers a range of wines, including vibrant rosés and mineral-rich whites, with a focus on sustainability.

These wineries, with their passion for sustainable practices and respect for tradition, welcome visitors eager to explore the rich history and flavors of Coteaux du Loir.

The Coteaux du Loir region embraces sustainability through its small-scale, hands-on winemaking practices. The challenging terrains encourage eco-friendly methods, with estates focusing on limited yields and relying on manual labor for vineyard management. Techniques like using cover crops and maintaining grass between rows help prevent erosion, reflecting a commitment to preserving the land.

Many estates in Coteaux du Loir are adopting organic or biodynamic practices, or achieving HVE certification, showing a strong dedication to environmental responsibility. Inside the cellars, winemakers prioritize a light touch, opting for native yeasts and larger, neutral barrels to highlight the unique terroir of their wines. This approach ensures that the wines maintain their fresh, site-specific character, aligning with the region's focus on sustainability and quality.

The Coteaux du Loir region offers a remarkable wine tourism experience along the Pays Vallée du Loir wine route. Recognized with the Vignobles & Découvertes label, this area features a well-connected network of wineries, accommodations, and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore charming troglodyte caves and stroll through vineyards that benefit from a unique limestone terroir, enhancing the mineral quality of the wines.

Annual events, including open-house tastings and themed weekends, provide opportunities to engage with the local wine culture. The region's focus on sustainability and traditional methods is evident in the family-run domaines that welcome guests. Coupled with visits to nearby châteaux and farm-to-table dining experiences, Coteaux du Loir offers a genuine rural wine tourism experience, celebrated for its authentic Loire Valley character.