Touraine Chenonceaux French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Touraine Chenonceaux is a named sub-appellation of Touraine in the Loire Valley, surrounding the famous Château de Chenonceau, producing refined Sauvignon Blanc whites and supple Côt and Cabernet Franc reds.
More info about Touraine Chenonceaux
Geographic position
Central France, in the Indre-et-Loire and Loir-et-Cher departments, on the slopes along both banks of the Cher river between Montrichard and Chenonceaux, about 30 km east of Tours, covering 27 communes.
Origin & history
The Château de Chenonceau, built across the Cher in the 16th century and known as the "Ladies' Castle" for Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici, gave the area worldwide fame. Vines have been grown here since the Middle Ages, and the wines were served at the royal court. Touraine Chenonceaux was recognised as a named Touraine sub-appellation in 2011, with stricter rules on yields and ageing.
Wines & grape varieties
Whites from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, with citrus, white peach, flint and good structure; reds blend Côt (Malbec) and Cabernet Franc, with black cherry, blackberry and fine tannins.
Climate & soil
Mild oceanic climate with continental influence. Flinty clay (perruches) and tuffeau limestone slopes above the Cher.
Wine region: Loire
Grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc