Touraine-Chenonceaux AOC

The appellation takes its name from the iconic Château de Chenonceau, completed in 1522 by Thomas Bohier and long known as the 'Château des Dames.' In 1550, Catherine de Médicis planted the Tournon variety within the estate's grounds. Côt, now the anchor grape for the appellation's reds, was the dominant varietal in the area before phylloxera devastated French vineyards in the late 19th century. Despite this deep history, Touraine-Chenonceaux received its official AOC status only in 2011, making it one of the Loire's most recently created appellations.

• Château de Chenonceau completed in 1522 by Thomas Bohier
• Catherine de Médicis planted vines at Chenonceau in 1550
• Côt was the dominant pre-phylloxera variety in the area
• AOC status granted in 2011, first vintage recognized that year

The appellation spans both banks of the Cher River across 27 communes, with vineyards planted on hillsides that benefit from excellent natural drainage and strong sun exposure. Soils are highly varied, including clay-limestone, flint clay, siliceous flint-based soils known locally as 'perruches,' sands with flint, and alkaline clay derived from Tuffeau limestone ridges. The maritime and oceanic climate brings hot, sunny summers and mild winters, with annual rainfall of approximately 550 to 650mm. These conditions suit both the aromatic precision of Sauvignon Blanc and the structured character of Côt-based reds.

• Key soil types: clay-limestone, 'perruches' (flint-based), Tuffeau-derived alkaline clay
• Maritime and oceanic climate with hot summers and mild winters
• 550 to 650mm annual rainfall
• Hillside vineyards with strong natural drainage and sun exposure

White wines are made from Sauvignon Blanc, with Sauvignon Gris permitted as a blending component. They are fresh and aromatic, showing notes of white flowers, ripe fruits, citrus, and exotic fruits. Red wines are blends led by Côt (Malbec), which must comprise a minimum of 50% of the blend, with Cabernet Franc required at a minimum of 35%. These reds are complex and structured, with aromas of stewed black fruits, licorice, and menthol alongside silky, round tannins. Yield restrictions of 60 hl/ha for whites and 55 hl/ha for reds help maintain concentration and quality.

• Whites: Sauvignon Blanc (primary), Sauvignon Gris (permitted)
• Reds: minimum 50% Côt/Malbec, minimum 35% Cabernet Franc
• White wine yields limited to 60 hl/ha; red wine to 55 hl/ha
• Red style: stewed black fruits, licorice, menthol, silky tannins

Around 60 winemakers produce wine under the Touraine-Chenonceaux AOC, a notable figure for an appellation of just 110 hectares. The appellation is recognized for an exceptional representation of female winemakers and administrators. Key producers include Château de Chenonceau itself, which maintains an active winemaking operation on the estate, alongside Domaine Jacky Marteau, Domaine des Échardières, and Domaine du Vieil Orme.

• Approximately 60 producers across 110 hectares
• Notable for high representation of female winemakers and administrators
• Château de Chenonceau produces wine from the historic estate
• Other key producers: Domaine Jacky Marteau, Domaine des Échardières, Domaine du Vieil Orme