Anjou Brissac AOC
Key French Terms
The Loire Valley's last 20th-century appellation, producing structured Cabernet-based reds from ancient schist and volcanic soils south of Angers.
Anjou Brissac AOC is a small, 104-hectare red wine appellation in the Anjou-Saumur subregion of the Loire Valley. Recognized on February 17, 1998, it was the final new appellation created in the Loire Valley in the 20th century. Its Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon wines age for 3 to 10 or more years.
- Sub-appellation of Anjou-Villages AOC, recognized February 17, 1998
- Covers 10 communes in Maine-et-Loire, centered around Brissac-Quincé south of Angers
- Only red wines permitted; grapes are Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon
- Approximately 104 hectares under vine with around 30 producers
- Minimum aging required until June 30 following the harvest year
- Renamed from Anjou Villages Brissac to Anjou Brissac in 2020
- Shares its geographic footprint with Coteaux de l'Aubance AOC
History and Classification
Anjou Brissac holds the distinction of being the last appellation created in the Loire Valley during the 20th century. The AOC was officially recognized on February 17, 1998, as a sub-appellation within Anjou-Villages AOC, and the decree allowed retroactive labeling for the 1997 and 1996 vintages. Originally named Anjou Villages Brissac, the appellation was formally renamed Anjou Brissac in 2020. It sits within the broader Anjou-Saumur region of the Loire Valley and takes its name from the historic town of Brissac-Quincé.
- Recognized February 17, 1998; the final Loire appellation of the 20th century
- Retroactive labeling permitted for 1996 and 1997 vintages upon recognition
- Sub-appellation within Anjou-Villages AOC
- Renamed Anjou Brissac in 2020
Geography and Terroir
The appellation spans 10 communes in Maine-et-Loire: Brissac-Quincé, Denée, Juigné-sur-Loire, Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets, Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance, Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire, Soulaines-sur-Aubance, and Vauchrétien. Vineyards are planted along the Aubance River, a tributary of the Loire. The appellation occupies the same geographic area as Coteaux de l'Aubance AOC. Soils are a complex mosaic of schist, clay-limestone, quartz, sandstone, silt, and volcanic rock, giving the wines a firm structural foundation.
- Located south of Angers along the Aubance River
- Shares geography with Coteaux de l'Aubance AOC
- Soils include schist, volcanic rock, clay-limestone, and sandstone
- Temperate oceanic climate with Atlantic influences
Grapes and Wine Style
Anjou Brissac produces only dry red wine, based exclusively on Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are characterized by red and black fruit aromas, spicy and floral notes, and a robust tannic structure. A minimum aging period is required, with wines not released before June 30 of the year following the harvest. The combination of Cabernet varieties on schist and volcanic soils produces wines with genuine aging potential, commonly cited as 3 to 10 or more years.
- Only Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon permitted
- Dry red wines only; no white or rosé production under this AOC
- Minimum aging until June 30 after harvest year
- Aging potential of 3 to 10 or more years
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Open Wine Lookup →Key Producers
Around 30 producers operate within the appellation. Notable estates include Domaine de Bablut, Château Princé, Caves de la Loire, and the historic Château de Brissac. The appellation covers approximately 104 hectares, making it a compact but well-defined growing zone within the broader Anjou-Saumur landscape.
- Approximately 30 producers in the appellation
- Notable producers: Domaine de Bablut, Château Princé, Château de Brissac, Caves de la Loire
- Total area approximately 104 hectares
Dry red wines with red and black fruit aromas, spicy and floral notes, and a robust tannic structure. The schist and volcanic soils contribute structure and longevity, with wines capable of aging 3 to 10 or more years.
- Caves de la Loire Anjou Brissac$12-18Cooperative producer with broad distribution, offering reliable Cabernet-based reds from the appellation.Find →
- Domaine de Bablut Anjou Brissac$20-35One of the appellation's benchmark estates, producing structured reds with schist-driven minerality and aging potential.Find →
- Château de Brissac Anjou Brissac$25-40Historic estate at the heart of the appellation, producing age-worthy Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon blends.Find →
- Château Princé Anjou Brissac$40-60Top-tier producer in the appellation known for serious tannic structure and long aging capacity.Find →
- Recognized February 17, 1998; sub-appellation of Anjou-Villages AOC and final Loire Valley AOC of the 20th century
- Only Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon permitted; dry red wines only
- Covers 10 communes in Maine-et-Loire around Brissac-Quincé, south of Angers
- Minimum aging required until June 30 following the harvest year
- Renamed from Anjou Villages Brissac to Anjou Brissac in 2020; retroactive labeling allowed for 1996 and 1997 vintages