Free delivery on purchases of €150 or more per winegrower in France and €250 in Europe (excluding United Kingdom)
Free delivery on purchases of €150 or more per winegrower in France and €250 in Europe (excluding United Kingdom)
Free delivery on purchases of €150 or more per winegrower in France and €250 in Europe (excluding United Kingdom)
AOC Touraine
In the northwest of France, the Loire vineyard extends from the Massif Central to Nantes over some 70,000 hectares of vines. It is known for the Chinon, Bourgueil and Pouilly-Fumé appellations among others. The Touraine AOC is also found there.
The appellation area of this AOC extends in the Loire Valley over some 4,000 hectares of soils mainly composed of clay, limestone and schist. Chenin (Pineau de la Loire), Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vines among others, subject to the temperate climate and oceanic influences of this geographical area, are planted in this appellation and produce white, rosé and red wines (still and sparkling). The red wines are known for their fruity palate, the rosés, dry and fresh for their spicy notes, and the lively whites for their aromas of apple and brioche.
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AOC Touraine: everything you need to know about the wines of this appellation
History of the AOC Touraine appellation
The AOC Touraine is a vast appellation in the Loire Valley, covering more than 143 communes and shining with both its wine diversity and its rich heritage. This appellation benefits from a winemaking history dating back to the 5th century, a period during which viticulture began to take off thanks to the influence of monasteries. Over the centuries, the fame of Touraine wines has crossed borders, seducing kings, queens and illustrious figures of the French court. Officially established in 1939, the AOC Touraine has continued to flourish since then, offering a wide range of wines, including red, white, rosé and sparkling wines (white and rosé), each expressing the nuances of its terroir.
Climate and terroir of the AOC Touraine appellation
Climate: The climate of Touraine is mainly continental with Atlantic influences, which ensures optimal ripeness of the grapes.
Soils: Terroir of great diversity ranging from clay-limestone soils to flint, gravel and tuffeau.
The grape varieties of the AOC Touraine
Touraine showcases a wide range of grape varieties. For red and rosé wines, Cabernet Franc, locally called "Breton", dominates, accompanied by Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Côt (Malbec) and Pinot Noir. The whites are mainly made from Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. This diversity of grape varieties allows for a wide range of wines.
Style of AOC Touraine Wines
Red Wine: Touraine red wines are distinguished by their ruby red color and their aromas of red and black fruits, with touches of noble vegetal typical of Cabernet Franc. On the palate, they offer fine tannins and a pleasant freshness.
White Wine: Whites, especially those made from Chenin Blanc, have a golden color, with complex aromas of white-fleshed fruits, flowers and sometimes mineral or honeyed notes. The palate is lively, with a beautiful acidity and a persistent length. AOC Touraine sparkling whites offer notes of green apple, brioche, hazelnut and a fresh mouth.
Rosé Wine: Touraine rosés have a pale pink color, offering aromas of fresh red fruits and flowers. On the palate, they are light, fruity with a beautiful liveliness. Rosé sparkling wines reveal aromas of small red fruits, a tender mouth and fine bubbles.
The best food and wine pairings with an AOC Touraine wine
Follow our advice to create the best food and wine pairings with a bottle of Loire wine, from an estate or château in AOC Touraine in red, white or rosé, still and sparkling:
White wine: seafood casserole, goat cheese, asparagus omelette
Rosé wine: Tours rillettes, coral lentil curry
Red wine: coq au vin rouge, veal kidneys, veal chop