Montlouis-sur-Loire

For centuries, the white Pineau produced on both sides of the Loire, in Montlouis-sur-Loire and Vouvray, was called "Vouvray wine." It was only when the appellations d'origine contrôlée (AOC) were created that Montlouis, aware of its originality, gained its independence and became a communal appellation by decree on December 6, 1938. The Montlouis-sur-Loire appellation d'origine contrôlée extends upstream from Tours, on the interfluve of the Loire and Cher rivers, at the meeting point of the two valleys, on a south-east facing promontory. It covers three communes

At the top of the promontory, the soil of Montlouis-sur-Loire is composed of clay topped with sand blown in from the Loire and Cher rivers and coarse flint and chalk elements. Tuffeau (Turonian chalk) remains within reach of the roots. Bordered by natural geographical boundaries (the Loire to the north, the Cher to the south, and the Amboise forest to the east), Montlouis-sur-Loire enjoys particularly mild climatic conditions: the influence of the ocean penetrates through the two wide-open valleys, promoting the over-ripening of the grapes and producing dry white wines of high maturity. The production of tender (semi-dry) or sweet wines depends on climatic variability: the vintage effect is decisive.

Planted on approximately 370 hectares, the vineyards of Montlouis-sur-Loire produce around 15,000 hectoliters annually, 45% of which are still wines and 55% sparkling wines. Montlouis-sur-Loire wines are made from the Chenin Blanc grape variety (Pineau de la Loire). They offer a deep, luminous straw-yellow color for sparkling and semi-sparkling wines, tending towards golden with amber highlights for mature sweet wines. Always flattering in their youth (white flowers, verbena, citrus and brioche for the fine bubbles), Montlouis wines evolve with notes of almonds, quince, honey and wax, with a marked minerality. Depending on their sweetness, Montlouis-sur-Loire wines are tender, full-bodied or opulent, but always very fresh. The dry whites are rich and distinguished. Montlouis-sur-Loire wines have great aging potential, evolving very delicately during the first decade and gradually blossoming. These qualities are fully reflected in the wines produced by Domaine de la Taille aux Loups, Domaine François Chidaine and Domaine du Rocher des Violettes.