Touraine-Mesland AOC

Touraine-Mesland sits on the right bank of the Loire River between the towns of Blois and Amboise, directly facing the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire. The appellation spans up to six communes: Mesland, Monteaux, Onzain, and Chouzy-sur-Cisse, with Molineuf and Chambon-sur-Cisse also included. Vineyards are planted at elevations of 30 to 40 meters above the Loire Valley floor.

• Right bank position between Blois and Amboise
• Faces Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
• Elevations of 30-40 meters above the Loire Valley
• One of five geographical denominations within the broader Touraine AOC

The appellation's soils are its defining feature. Flinty clay, known locally as perruches, dominates, alongside siliceous clay over tuffeau and limestone hillsides. These varied soil types contribute to the finesse and freshness characteristic of wines from the area. The climate is semi-oceanic, with mild winters, gently warm summers, and sunny autumns that support consistent ripening across all varieties grown here.

• Flinty clay (perruches) is the signature soil type
• Siliceous clay over tuffeau and limestone hillsides also present
• Semi-oceanic climate with mild winters and sunny autumns
• Sunny autumns support steady ripening of Gamay, Côt, and Chenin Blanc

The Romans first planted vines in the Mesland area, establishing a winemaking tradition that continued into the medieval period. In the 11th century, monks from the Abbey of Marmoutiers founded a priory in Mesland and expanded viticulture significantly. Gamay arrived much later, introduced to the appellation in 1838, and rapidly became the dominant red variety. The AOC was formally recognised by governmental decree on July 15, 1955.

• Romans first planted vines in the area
• Abbey of Marmoutiers monks established a priory in Mesland in the 11th century
• Gamay introduced in 1838; now the leading variety
• AOC officially decreed on July 15, 1955

Touraine-Mesland produces red, rosé, and white wines, with reds and rosés accounting for approximately six-sevenths of total production. Gamay leads the red and rosé blends, often joined by Cabernet Franc, Côt (Malbec), and smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d'Aunis. Whites are made primarily from Chenin Blanc (known locally as Pineau de Loire) and Chardonnay. Red wines show fruit-forward character with fine tannins; whites are fresh and aromatic with floral notes; rosés are lively and refreshing. The appellation also permits primeur, sparkling, and pétillant styles.

• Gamay is the dominant red and rosé grape, introduced in 1838
• Chenin Blanc (Pineau de Loire) leads white wine production
• White wines represent approximately one-seventh of total volumes
• Still, primeur, sparkling, and pétillant styles all permitted