Coteaux du Vendômois

• Chenin Blanc: Known locally as Pineau de la Loire, this grape produces dry white wines with crisp citrus flavors and a mineral-rich profile.
• Pineau d’Aunis: This distinctive red grape is the hallmark of Vendômois, offering peppery and spicy notes. It forms the base for the region's red and rosé wines.
• Cabernet Franc: Occasionally blended with Pineau d’Aunis, adding depth and complexity with subtle red fruit notes.
• Pinot Noir: Sometimes used in blends, contributing delicate red berry flavors and a touch of elegance.
• Gamay: Adds a light, fruity character to the blends, enhancing freshness and vibrancy.

These wines, crafted in dry styles, emphasize freshness and a mineral profile. Production is limited, making them a rare find outside France.

The Coteaux du Vendômois enjoys a blend of oceanic and continental climates, with summers warm enough for grape ripening. Cool springs and falls, alongside chilly winters, add complexity. Located around 47°N, this northern Loire region is known for its crisp acidity and subtle fruit flavors. The terroir features Turonian tuffeau limestone, with clay and flint on hillsides and terraces, perfect for growing grapes.

Moderate rainfall and late-season rains impact Chenin Blanc, while the nearby Loir River moderates summer temperatures and raises spring frost risks. These conditions create wines with bright acidity and mineral notes, featuring red-berry and herbal flavors. The hilly landscape, chosen for less frost and wind risk, is key in making the region's unique wines, including the signature Pineau d’Aunis.

The Coteaux du Vendômois, a hidden gem in the Loire Valley, is renowned for its distinctive wines and passionate producers. This picturesque region, with its limestone-rich soils and unique grape varieties, is celebrated for its family-run estates and dedicated cooperatives. Here are some notable wineries to explore:

• Cave des Vignerons du Vendômois: Established in 1929, this cooperative contributes significantly to the region's wine production. Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of whites, rosés, and reds, typically by appointment.
• Domaine Patrice Colin: A historic family estate known for its organic practices. Their expressive Chenin Blanc and old-vine Pineau d’Aunis are not to be missed.

In the Coteaux du Vendômois, sustainability is at the heart of winemaking. Vintners here focus on organic and low-intervention farming, avoiding chemical herbicides and using cover crops to enrich soil health. This commitment to the land reflects in their hands-on approach to vine care, where manual labor ensures the grapes express their true character.

In the cellar, winemakers prefer stainless steel or neutral containers, minimizing the use of new oak to let the natural flavors shine. Native yeast fermentation is common, supporting the region’s dedication to authenticity. These practices result in wines that are not only fresh and mineral-driven but also environmentally friendly, showcasing the unique terroirs of this charming Loire Valley region.

In Vendômois, wine tourism offers a genuine, laid-back atmosphere focused on personal connections with winemakers. Nestled along the scenic Loir River, visits are often by appointment, providing intimate tastings at family-run domaines and the local cooperative. The region’s highlight, Pineau d’Aunis, pairs perfectly with local delicacies, enhancing the experience.

Without a formal wine trail, visitors are encouraged to explore the area’s natural beauty, with river bluffs and country paths ideal for cycling or hiking. Guests can enjoy history and nature while exploring the limestone-rich vineyards that define this hidden gem in the Loire Valley. The rural charm and commitment to sustainable, organic practices make Vendômois a unique destination for those seeking authentic wine experiences.