Grape & 4 colors
The diversity of the grape varieties
The AOP Touraine includes a wide range of grape varieties, even if some of them are quite dominant like sauvignon for white wines, and gamay, cabernet franc and côt for red wines.
With the exception of the Touraine whites, made exclusively from sauvignon grapes, the other AOP Touraine wines are the result of artful blending, and they are crafted by each winemaker. This results in wines with a very unique final color.
SAUVIGNON
Native to the Loire valley, sauvignon is a white grape variety known for its crispness and liveliness. An early ripening grape, with character, sauvignon produces dry wines with a range of fruity aromas, notes of citrus, exotic fruit and a hint of white flowers. Touraine Sauvignon is considered as one of the best in the world, and it wins numerous awards and distinctions every year.
GAMAY
Originally from the south of the Burgundy region, gamay is a red grape variety that is known for its delicacy. An early and delicate varietal, gamay produces supple and likeable wines, the robe is bright red with purple tints, notes are usually fruity and sometimes spicy.
CÔT
Originally from the South West, côt (also known as Malbec) is a grape variety known for its strength. While it may ripen early, côt produces rich and robust wines, with a very deep colored robe, it has a wide range of aromas in particular black fruits, tobacco, sometimes plum or licorice. It makes wine that can be aged.
CABERNET FRANC
Originally from the South West, cabernet franc is a grape variety known for its vitality. A variety that ripens late, cabernet franc produces supple and fruity wines, with raspberry, red berry and blackcurrant notes.
AOP Touraine vine planting
Surface production per grape variety
AOP TOURAINE WINES: POWERFUL AROMAS
The AOP Touraine produces a wide range of still and sparkling wines: Touraine white, the best known one, is a fresh and aromatic wine, made from sauvignon grapes, Touraine reds and rosés, without forgetting the sparkling Touraine wines.
WHITE WINES
100% SAUVIGNON :
These wines often have a pale robe and an aromatic offering ranging from fruity notes similar to citrus fruits or exotic fruit, to floral notes, similar to white flowers.
The finish has a fresh feeling.
ROSÉ WINES
Wines made from two grape varieties, among the following: cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, côt, gamay, grolleau, grolleau gris, meunier, pineau d’Aunis, pinot gris and pinot noir. The main grape variety must not exceed 70%. The rosé wines, with a pale and bright color, have a panel of aromas including small red fruits and citrus.
RED WINES
TWO TYPES OF WINE:
- Fruity and light: Touraine Gamay: 85% minimum + cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir or côt.
These wines often have a cherry colored robe and generally reveal warm red berry notes with silky tannins. They are well balanced wines, light and delicate at the same time.
- Fruity and structured: Touraine Rouge: 80% Côt or cabernet franc (must contain 15% côt minimum) + cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir or gamay. By 2030, this type of wine will have to include a minimum of 50% côt with no maximum limit.
Strong and elegant wines, with a very good tannic structure. Notes of both red and black fruits, the robe goes from dark ruby to dark garnet.
WHITE SPARKLING WINE
TRADITIONAL METHOD
Wines produced from the following grape varieties: chardonnay, chenin, cabernet, franc, grolleau, grolleau gris, orbois, pineau d’Aunis, pinot noir.
Chenin or orbois represent at least 60%. Chardonnay can count for up to 40%. This sparkling wine has a dominantly acidic structure which makes it delicate and fresh at the same time. The acidity comes with fruity notes. Hints of brioche can develop over time.
SPARKLING ROSÉ
TRADITIONAL METHOD
Wines made from two grape varieties, among the following: cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, côt, gamay, grolleau, grolleau gris, meunier, pineau d’Aunis, pinot gris and pinot nor. The main grape variety must not exceed 70%.
The sparkling rosés are fruity and aromatic wines, with a very elegant nose.