Côteaux du Giennois French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Coteaux du Giennois is a small Loire Valley appellation just north of Pouilly and Sancerre, producing crisp Sauvignon Blanc whites and light, fruity Pinot Noir and Gamay reds and rosés at friendly prices.
More info about Côteaux du Giennois
Geographic position
Central France, along both banks of the Loire in the Loiret and Nièvre departments, from Gien down to Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire, about 150 km south of Paris, at the northern edge of the Centre-Loire vineyards.
Origin & history
Vines have grown along this stretch of the Loire since the Middle Ages, when the wines were shipped by river to Paris. After phylloxera the vineyards nearly disappeared, but local growers revived them; the area became a VDQS in 1954 and a full AOC in 1998.
Wines & grape varieties
Whites from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, with citrus, gooseberry and flinty notes. Reds and rosés blend Pinot Noir and Gamay, with bright cherry and raspberry fruit and a light, fresh style.
Climate & soil
Semi-continental climate with oceanic influence. Flinty clay (silex), Kimmeridgian limestone and sandy-gravel terraces along the river.
Wine region: Loire
Grape varieties: Gamay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc