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Reuilly AOC

French pronunciation guide

Reuilly is a Loire Valley AOC in the Central Vineyards, producing white, red, and rosé wines from Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris. The appellation shares Kimmeridgian limestone soils with neighbors Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, delivering mineral-driven whites and light, fruit-forward reds at excellent value.

Key Facts
  • AOC status granted in 1937 for white wines and extended to red and rosé in 1961
  • Spans 7 communes across two departments: Indre (Reuilly, Diou) and Cher (Lazenay, Chéry, Lury-sur-Arnon, Preuilly, Cerbois)
  • Located approximately 70 km from the Loire River, between the Cher and Arnon rivers
  • Soils include sandy-gravelly areas and clayey-chalky Kimmeridgian marl, similar to Sancerre
  • Annual production ranges from approximately 8,000 to 16,250 hectolitres
  • About 50% of production is white wine, with red and rosé splitting the remainder
  • Approximately 43 to 54 producers operate within the appellation

📜History and Origins

Viticulture in Reuilly dates to the 7th century, when King Dagobert I granted lands in the area to the Abbey of Saint-Denis. By 1365, the Duke of Berry had issued a charter formally governing wine production in the region. The appellation received AOC recognition by decree in 1937, initially covering white wines only, with red and rosé wines added in 1961. Like much of France, Reuilly's vineyards were devastated by phylloxera in the late 19th century, and a meaningful revival did not take hold until the 1980s. An annual wine fair held at Easter has taken place every year since 1953, underscoring the community's long commitment to its wines.

  • Viticulture documented since the 7th century under King Dagobert I
  • Duke of Berry issued a governing charter for wine production in 1365
  • AOC status granted in 1937 (white) and 1961 (red and rosé)
  • Vineyard revival followed phylloxera devastation, gaining momentum in the 1980s

🌍Location and Terroir

Reuilly sits in the Central Vineyards sub-region of the Loire Valley, roughly 70 km from the Loire River itself, positioned between the Cher and Arnon rivers. The appellation covers seven communes spread across two departments. Vineyards sit at around 150 meters elevation under a continental climate that occasionally receives maritime and oceanic influence. Two main soil types define the terroir: sandy-gravelly soils and the clayey-chalky Kimmeridgian marl that also underlies the great vineyards of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. This shared geology gives Reuilly's wines a comparable mineral backbone at a fraction of the price.

  • Elevation of approximately 150 meters above sea level
  • Continental climate with occasional maritime and oceanic influence
  • Sandy-gravelly and Kimmeridgian marl soils across the appellation
  • Comparable limestone terroir to Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé
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🍇Grapes and Wine Styles

Three grape varieties are permitted in Reuilly. Sauvignon Blanc produces the appellation's dry white wines, which are characteristically crisp, mineral-driven, and fresh in acidity. Pinot Noir accounts for the light-bodied red wines, delivering aromas of cherries and raspberries in a fruit-driven style. Rosé wines are produced from Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, either as a blend or varietal expression, and are made in a dry style. White wine accounts for roughly half of total production, with red and rosé splitting the remaining volume among approximately 43 to 54 producers.

  • Sauvignon Blanc: crisp, mineral-driven whites with fresh acidity
  • Pinot Noir: light-bodied reds with cherry and raspberry character
  • Pinot Gris: used in dry rosé production alongside Pinot Noir
  • White wine makes up approximately 50% of total appellation output
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🏡Notable Producers

Reuilly hosts around 43 to 54 producers within its small footprint of 150 to 299 hectares. The appellation competes directly with larger, better-known neighbors in the Central Vineyards, yet its producers consistently deliver quality wines at accessible prices. Key estates include Claude Lafond, Denis Jamain, Domaine Henri Beurdin, Domaine de la Pagerie, Domaine Aujard, Domaine Bigonneau, and Jacques Vincent. These producers collectively maintain the appellation's identity as a source of genuine, terroir-expressive Loire wines without the premium pricing of Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé.

  • Claude Lafond and Denis Jamain are among the most recognized producers
  • Domaine Henri Beurdin produces wines across all three appellation styles
  • Approximately 43 to 54 producers operate within the appellation
  • Total vineyard area ranges from 150 to 299 hectares
Flavor Profile

Reuilly whites show classic Sauvignon Blanc character: citrus, green herb, and fresh-cut grass with a mineral, chalky edge and bright acidity. Reds are pale and light-bodied, offering red cherry, raspberry, and a subtle earthy note from the Kimmeridgian soils. Rosés are dry, delicate, and fruit-driven, often showing strawberry and soft floral aromas.

Food Pairings
Goat's cheese (particularly local Crottin de Chavignol)Grilled river fish and freshwater troutLight charcuterie and rillettesRoasted chicken and simple poultry dishesAsparagus and spring vegetablesLight pasta dishes with fresh herbs
Wines to Try
  • Domaine Henri Beurdin Reuilly Blanc$15-20
    Classic Kimmeridgian-driven Sauvignon Blanc from one of the appellation's established family estates.Find →
  • Denis Jamain Reuilly Blanc$20-30
    Mineral and precise Sauvignon Blanc from a leading Reuilly producer with strong critical recognition.Find →
  • Claude Lafond Reuilly La Grande Pièce$22-35
    Single-vineyard white from Reuilly's most prominent producer, showcasing Kimmeridgian terroir clearly.Find →
  • Domaine de la Pagerie Reuilly Rosé$16-22
    Dry Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir rosé with fresh red fruit character and delicate structure.Find →
  • Denis Jamain Reuilly Rouge$20-30
    Light-bodied Pinot Noir with cherry and raspberry aromas, reflecting the appellation's fruit-driven red style.Find →
How to Say It
Reuillyruh-YEE
Appellation d'Origine Contrôléeah-pel-ah-SYOHN doh-ree-ZHEEN kon-troh-LAY
Kimmeridgiankim-eh-RIJ-ee-an
Lury-sur-Arnonlü-REE sür ar-NON
Cerboissair-BWAH
📝Exam Study NotesWSET / CMS
  • Reuilly AOC: white wines recognized 1937, red and rosé added 1961; located in Central Vineyards sub-region of Loire Valley
  • Three permitted varieties: Sauvignon Blanc (white), Pinot Noir (red and rosé), Pinot Gris (rosé only)
  • Soils are Kimmeridgian marl and sandy-gravelly, shared geological character with Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé
  • Appellation spans 7 communes across Indre and Cher departments, approximately 70 km from the Loire River
  • Annual production 8,000 to 16,250 hectolitres; approximately 50% white, remainder red and rosé