Coteaux du Vendômois AOC

Viticulture in the Vendômois dates to an 11th-century deed of endowment documenting vines at Villedieu. The Benedictine monks of the Abbaye de la Trinité, founded in 1035, cultivated the local vineyards and shaped the region's winemaking traditions. King Henry IV appreciated wines from the Prépatour domain in the 16th century, and François Rabelais celebrated the wines of the Loir. The phylloxera crisis of the 1890s devastated the vineyards, and replanting favored the local Pineau d'Aunis. The appellation earned VDQS status in 1968 and achieved full AOC recognition on May 2, 2001.

• Viticulture documented from the 11th century in the Vendômois
• Benedictine monks of Abbaye de la Trinité (founded 1035) were early cultivators
• Phylloxera in the 1890s led to replanting centered on Pineau d'Aunis
• VDQS 1968; AOC granted May 2, 2001

Coteaux du Vendômois sits in the Loir sub-region of the Loire Valley, with vineyards stretching between Vendôme and Montoire along the Loir River valley at elevations of 80 to 140 meters. The north-south valley orientation provides natural wind management and diurnal temperature swings that preserve acidity. The climate is temperate with both continental and oceanic influences, moderated by the Loir River itself. Annual rainfall is low at approximately 680 mm, and south-facing slopes capture ideal sunshine. Soils include tuffeau limestone, pink flint from the Senonian period, and flint-clay (silex), all contributing to the appellation's mineral-driven wine profile.

• Elevations of 80 to 140 meters on south-facing slopes
• Approximately 680 mm annual rainfall; temperate, cool climate
• Tuffeau limestone, Senonian pink flint, and silex (flint-clay) soils
• North-south valley creates natural wind management and diurnal temperature variation

Pineau d'Aunis is the defining indigenous grape of Coteaux du Vendômois, the sole variety permitted in the vin gris and the required anchor of red blends. The vin gris, made by direct pressing of Pineau d'Aunis, accounts for roughly 50% of production and is one of France's most unusual rosé styles. Red wines, representing around 35% of production, must contain at least 50% Pineau d'Aunis with Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Gamay as permitted blending partners. White wines, making up the remaining 15%, are based on Chenin Blanc, with Chardonnay also permitted. Whites are fresh and dry with good natural acidity, while reds carry a light, crisp, mineral-driven profile.

• Vin gris: 100% Pineau d'Aunis, direct press; approximately 50% of production
• Reds: minimum 50% Pineau d'Aunis; approximately 35% of production
• Whites: Chenin Blanc-based; approximately 15% of production
• Permitted varieties include Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Chardonnay

Maximum yields are set at 60 hl/ha for red and rosé wines and 65 hl/ha for whites. Minimum alcohol levels are 10.5% for white Chenin Blanc, 9.5% for reds, and 9% for rosé and vin gris. The appellation covers 120 to 142 hectares across 27 to 28 communes and produces approximately 4,000 to 4,600 hectoliters per year. The Cave Coopérative du Vendômois, founded in 1929, accounts for roughly 60% of total appellation production. Only 13 to 14 private domaines complete the producer landscape, making this one of the Loire's most intimate appellations.

• Max yields: 60 hl/ha (red/rosé), 65 hl/ha (white)
• Min alcohol: 10.5% white, 9.5% red, 9% rosé/vin gris
• Cave Coopérative du Vendômois (est. 1929) produces approximately 60% of output
• Total annual production approximately 4,000 to 4,600 hectoliters