Valençay

The geographical area of the Valençay AOC includes fourteen municipalities in the northern part of the Indre department and one municipality in the Loir-et-Cher department: Selles-sur-Cher. Valençay has been an AOC since November 2003. The Valençay appellation area, covering approximately 140 hectares, is centered around the Gâtine Forest and the small town of Valençay, whose castle—built in the 16th century and later owned by the Prince of Talleyrand—played an important role in local history. The defined terroir extends mainly along the edges of plateaus and hillsides, on Senonian and Eocene formations bordering the streams of the northern Boischaut region in Berry. Flint-rich clay predominates.

Valençay red wines are made from Gamay noir à jus blanc, while Côt, Cabernet, and Pinot Noir are increasingly being replanted. White wines are produced from Sauvignon and Arbois; Chardonnay is rarer and a more recent addition.

Valençay red, accounting for two-thirds of production, has long been sold under the name of the grape variety. It is evolving into a blended wine and is capable of aging for three years. Gamay dominates with its fruitiness, to which Pinot Noir, Côt, and sometimes Cabernet contribute structure and character. Valençay white wine is primarily made from Sauvignon, whose qualities are well expressed by the terroir. The characteristics of the Valençay appellation are beautifully reflected in the wines offered by Domaine Albane and Bertrand Minchin.