Touraine

The proximity of waterways played an important role in the growth of the Touraine wine region, as rivers served as transportation routes that facilitated exports. This development reached its peak in the 19th century; by then, Touraine had been one of the capital’s main wine suppliers for a century. After a period of crisis that lasted until World War II, Touraine definitively shifted its focus toward quality wines. The Touraine Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), granted by a decree of December 24, 1939, extends its appellation area from the borders of Anjou to the edge of Sologne, in a confluence zone formed by the Loire and its tributaries, spanning 104 communes in Indre-et-Loire and 42 in Loir-et-Cher. Most of the vineyards are located southeast of Tours, on the hillsides overlooking the Cher River and between the Cher and the Loire.

The soil types are highly varied, including “perruches” (flint-rich clay), “aubuis” (clay-limestone on chalky subsoil), and sandy clay in the eastern zone; as well as light gravel and faluns (sand)... The climate has a maritime influence in the west, gradually taking on a continental character as it moves eastward. These climatic differences, combined with the varied soils, determine the choice of grape varieties (generally late-ripening in the west and early-ripening in the east) and thus the wide variety of wines. With 4,400 hectares of vineyards, annual production stands at 240,000 hectoliters, of which approximately 38% is red, 42% white, 12% sparkling, and 8% rosé. Touraine reds are made from Gamay (over 60% of the harvest), Cabernet Franc, Côt, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pineau d’Aunis, and Pinot Noir. White Touraine wines use Sauvignon (nearly 80%), Chenin Blanc, and, to a lesser extent, Chardonnay.

Touraine wines are aromatic. Chenin Blanc is primarily used for sparkling wines, where it expresses delicate notes of brioche, green apple, and honey. Gamay, often a single-varietal wine, produces light, straightforward wines with characteristic red fruit aromas. Blended wines combine this youthful, fresh character with the structure of other grape varieties. Classic blends yield fresh, delicate rosés: Pineau d’Aunis produces a rosé with character and a unique spicy note. Most Touraine wines reach their peak within two years. Full-bodied reds age well after three to four years of cellaring. Among the many producers in Touraine, notable examples include Domaine Albane and Bertrand Minchin, Domaine Henry and Jean-Sébastien Marionnet, and Domaine Charles Joguet.