Saumur blanc

The capital of the Huguenots under Henry IV, Saumur was an important wine trading center from the 12th century onwards due to its ideal topographical conditions. Today, most of the major regional wine merchants still have their headquarters in this area.The Saumur Blanc AOC was established by a decree dated December 31, 1957.

The Saumur blanc appellation area encompasses 28 communes in Maine-et-Loire, 9 in Vienne, and 2 in Deux-Sèvres. The vineyards cover a total area of 450 hectares, with an annual production of around 25,000 hectoliters. The Saumur blanc vineyards are scattered in small pockets on tuffeau (chalk) hills and Senonian or Eocene outcrops. The tuffeau brings finesse and lightness. The climate is temperate oceanic, but the hills of the Saumurois region slow down the westerly winds. The plots furthest from the Loire are therefore subject to a continental influence.

The grape varieties used for Saumur Blanc are Chenin, at a minimum of 80%, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon. A dry and elegant white wine, sometimes very opulent, Saumur reveals its finely mineral taste harmony. The more supple wines can be enjoyed within five years. The more concentrated white wines develop with age and can be kept for up to fifteen years. The Saumur Blanc appellation includes some high-quality estates, such as Domaine Saint-Just, Château de Villeneuve, Clos Rougeard, Domaine des Roches Neuves, and Domaine Guiberteau.