All about Anjou Brissac

Anjou-Saumur

AOC Anjou Villages Brissac is a red wine produced south of Angers, renowned for its red fruit aromas and spicy notes. Produced mainly from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, it offers good structure and high ageing potential.

Contents

Key figures

Figures based on average harvests over the last 5 years

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  • 75
    Ha

  • 2833
    Hl

  • 30
    Producers

Origins

History

The professionals of the Brissac region have always been convinced that they had a territory and a know-how capable of leaving its mark on the originality of their red wine production.

 With self-sacrifice, seeking the best match between the grape variety and its planting sites, adapting pruning and vine management techniques as best they could, harvesting at optimum ripeness, carrying out technical improvements on temperature control and maceration times, these winegrowers obtained recognition of the "Anjou Brissac" appellation d'origine contrôlée on February 17, 1998, then Anjou Brissac in 2020.

1998Recognition of the AOC Anjou Villages BrissacOn November 15, 1998, Anjou Villages Brissac obtained its own distinct appellation within Anjou Villages. This distinction highlights the specific characteristics of the terroir around Brissac-Quincé and the excellence of the wines produced in this area, offering official recognition to the efforts of local winemakers to produce high-quality wines.
2001Revision of the specificationsIn 2001, the specifications for the Anjou Villages Brissac appellation were revised for the first time. This revision specifies production criteria, authorized grape varieties and maximum yields, in order to guarantee consistent quality and maintain the appellation's reputation.
<2020Change of nameIn 2020 the AOC becomes Anjou Brissac.

Presentation

The Anjou Brissac appellation covers 10 communes in Maine-et-Loire:

 Brissac-Quincé, Denée, Juigné-sur-Loire, Mozésur-Louet, Mûrs-Erigné, Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets, Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance, Saint-Saturnin-surLoire, Soulaines-sur-Aubance and Vauchrétien. It corresponds to the Coteaux de l'Aubance geographical area.

Soil and climate

The geographical area of the "Anjou Brissac" appellation, lies on a vast schist plateau of the Armorican Massif that slopes gently down to the Royal River. The landscape is characterized by numerous small hillsides with altitudes ranging from 50 to 90 meters.

 The soil is mainly composed of schist, but quartz, sandstone, silt, volcanic rock and sometimes even sand are also found. Climate: Temperate oceanic, particularly dry on Anjou Brissac.

 

 

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Cultivation methods

Technical requirements: 

A minimum ageing period until June 30 following the harvest year is defined in the specifications in order to guarantee complexity and silky tannins.

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Terroir and wines

The terroir of AOC Anjou Brissac, made up of schistose and clay-limestone soils, plays a crucial role in the quality of the wines. 

These soils favor optimal ripening of the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties, giving the wines robust tannic structure and aromatic complexity. 

The temperate climate, with Atlantic influences, allows late harvesting, guaranteeing grapes at ideal ripeness. This unique terroir gives the appellation's wines their distinctive character, marked by red and black fruit aromas, spicy notes, and high aging potential, faithfully reflecting the region's identity.