Saumur blanc

Saumur, capital of the Huguenots under Henri IV, has been an important wine trading center since the 12th century, thanks to its ideal topographical conditions. Today, most of the region's major trading houses are still based in the area. TheAOC Saumur blanc was established by decree on December 31, 1957.

The Saumur blanc appellation area covers 28 communes in Maine-et-Loire, 9 in Vienne and 2 in Deux-Sèvres. The vineyard covers a total area of 450 hectares, with annual production of around 25,000 hectolitres. The Saumur Blanc vineyards are scattered in islets, on tuffeau (chalk) hillocks and Senonian or Eocene outcrops. The tuffeau provides finesse and lightness. The climate is temperate oceanic, but the hills of the Saumurois region keep the westerly winds at bay. The plots farthest from the Loire are therefore subject to continental influences.

The grape varieties used for Saumur Blanc are Chenin (minimum 80%), Chardonnay and Sauvignon. A dry, elegant white, sometimes very opulent, Saumur wine reveals its harmonious, finely mineral taste. Soft wines can be drunk within 5 years. The most concentrated white wines can be cellared for up to fifteen years. The Saumur Blanc appellation includes a number of top-quality estates, such as Domaine Saint-Just, Château de Villeneuve, Clos Rougeard, Domaine des Roches Neuves and Domaine Guiberteau.