Touraine French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Touraine is a large and diverse Loire Valley appellation in the "Garden of France", best known for crisp, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc and light, fruity reds, offering excellent value from the land of the châteaux.
More info about Touraine
Geographic position
Central France, mainly in the Indre-et-Loire and Loir-et-Cher departments, along the Loire, Cher and Indre rivers around the city of Tours, from Blois in the east to the edge of Anjou in the west, near the châteaux of Chenonceau, Amboise and Chambord.
Origin & history
Saint Martin of Tours is said to have planted vines here in the 4th century, and the region later became the playground of French kings, who built the great Renaissance châteaux. The Touraine AOC was created in 1939, with sub-appellations such as Chenonceaux, Amboise and Oisly.
Wines & grape varieties
Whites mostly from Sauvignon Blanc (and Chenin Blanc); reds from Gamay, Côt (Malbec) and Cabernet Franc; also rosés and sparkling wines. Expect citrus, gooseberry and white flowers in whites, and red berries and pepper in reds.
Climate & soil
Mild oceanic climate with continental influence. Tuffeau limestone, flinty clay (perruches) and sand.
Wine region: Loire
Grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, Gamay, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc