All about Rosé de Loire

History

The extensive hydrographic network formed by the Loire, Vienne, Cher and Indre rivers has, over time, largely shaped the undulating plateau of hard Primary and soft Secondary and Tertiary rocks.

In the Middle Ages, under the influence of the Church, vines took root here, and the vineyards of Anjou and Touraine developed along nearly 200 kilometers of the river and its tributaries. Over time, growers favored the planting of Cabernet Franc N and Grolleau N grapes in the western part of the geographical area, while in the eastern part, growers mainly planted Gamay N and Pineau d'Aunis N.

The production of a "rouget" and a "vin gris" wine, fresh, original, easy-drinking and with a low alcoholic strength by volume thus developed at the beginning of the 20th century. Over the generations, operators have enhanced the original characteristics of their production, on the one hand through the choice of blends favoring the development of their aromatic potential, and on the other through optimal management of the plant and its production potential, reflected in rigorous vineyard management.

The success of this production was crowned by the recognition, in 1974, of the "Rosé de Loire" appellation d'origine contrôlée. The dynamism and know-how of the producers, as well as their historical attachment to the Loire winegrowing landscape, perpetuate the reputation acquired by this appellation d'origine contrôlée.

The Rosé de Loire appellation area extends over the Anjou and Touraine AOC areas.

Temperate oceanic climate in Anjou-Saumur, semi-continental in Touraine and the Cher valley.

Anjou side: dark schist soils of "Anjou noir".

Saumurois side: white soils resulting from the alteration of the crais (tuffeau) of "l'Anjou blanc"

Touraine side: tuffeau chalk, flint clays, clay-limestone soils and light gravels.