Savennières

The appellation Savennières is limited to three municipalities south of Angers on the right bank of the Loire: Savennières, Bouchemaine, and La Possonnière. The excellent growing conditions were likely recognized as early as the Roman invasions. Vine cultivation developed during the era of the great abbeys, was continued by the lords, and then, in the 19th century, by the Angevin bourgeoisie. The Savennières AOC was established by a decree dated December 8, 1952. The total area of the vineyards Savennières covers approximately 124 hectares, situated on the slopes running perpendicular to the Loire River, with excellent exposure. The shallow soils consist of sandstone schist, volcanic veins (rhyolites), and wind-blown sand. The mesoclimatic influence of the Loire allows for the production of highly mature dry white wines. Thus, thunderstorms most often pass over the left bank of the Loire, sparing Savennières. The wines of Savennières, all of which are white wines, are made from Chenin Blanc (or Pineau de la Loire). These wines can be aged anywhere from 5 years to indefinitely in exceptional vintages. Domaine aux Moines, Château Pierre-Bise, and Château de Varennes offer excellent wines that showcase the quality of the terroir of the Savennières. Within the Savennières appellation, there are two specific sub-appellations: La Roche-aux-Moines and La Coulée-de-Serrant. The La Coulée-de-Serrant vineyard was planted in the 12th century (1130) by Cistercian monks and has been under vine ever since. The quality of the wines from this vineyard has long been recognized and sets it apart from the others Savennières, a region that already enjoys a fine reputation. Maurice Constantin Weyer wrote about it, as did Alexandre Dumas, and more recently, in the early 20th century, Curnonsky—the prince of gastronomes—described it as one of the five best white wines in France. Today, La Roche-aux-Moines and La Coulée-de-Serrant are the appellations of the sole Coulée de Serrant - Nicolas Joly estate.