Coteaux du Loir

The Coteaux du Loir Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) is a wine region in the Loire Valley whose production area spans 16 municipalities in the Sarthe department and 6 in Indre-et-Loire. It was the Cistercian monks who first began producing Coteaux du Loir wines in the Middle Ages. Granted AOC status in 1948, the Coteaux du Loir region—along with Jasnières—is the northernmost wine-producing area in the Loire Valley.

The Coteaux du Loir vineyards cover an area of approximately 80 hectares, with an annual production of 2,700 hectoliters (50% red, 30% white, 20% rosé). The vineyard is situated on a terroir of soft Turonian chalk, also known as tuffeau, which has broken down into flint-rich clay, resulting in steep, very stony soils that are difficult to work but provide an ideal environment for the vines to thrive. Protected by the Bercé Forest to the north and benefiting from adjacent valleys and south-facing slopes, the Coteaux du Loir vineyardenjoys the temperate climate of the Touraine region, which features numerous microclimates.

The Coteaux du Loir appellation produces red and rosé wines from the Pineau d’Aunis, Cabernet, Côt, and Gamay grape varieties, as well as white wines made from Chenin Blanc. The reds and rosés are often light and aromatic. They reach their peak within two years. Coteaux du Loir whites typically feature a crystal-clear golden-yellow color, with floral and fruity aromas accented by a mineral note. They generally age well for over 15 years. Fans of the appellation will be particularly interested in the wines offered by Domaine de Bellivière.