Saumur French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Saumur is a versatile Loire Valley appellation around the château town of Saumur, known for crisp Chenin Blanc whites, fresh Cabernet Franc reds and, above all, its traditional-method sparkling wines.
More info about Saumur
Geographic position
Western France, in the Maine-et-Loire department on the south bank of the Loire, between Anjou to the west and Touraine to the east, around Saumur and Montreuil-Bellay.
Origin & history
Benedictine monks planted vines here in the 11th century, and Saumur's wines were exported to Holland and England. In 1811 Jean Ackerman introduced the Champagne method, making Saumur a major sparkling-wine centre; the AOC was created in 1936.
Wines & grape varieties
Whites from Chenin Blanc (with some Chardonnay and Sauvignon); reds and rosés from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d'Aunis; Saumur Brut sparkling wines in white and rosé.
Climate & soil
Mild oceanic climate sheltered by hills. Soft white chalky tuffeau limestone, also used to build the châteaux and to dig the cellars where the wines age.
Wine region: Loire
Grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc