All about Saumur

Anjou-Saumur

2,330 ha including 570 ha for red, 380ha for white, 110 ha for rosé.

Capital of the Huguenots under Henry IV, Saumur has been an important wine trading place since the 12th century.

Contents

Origins

History

Capital of the Huguenots under Henry IV, Saumur has been an important wine-trading center since the 12th century, due to its ideal topographical conditions (see "saumur brut" fact sheet). 

Today, most of the major regional trading houses are still headquartered in this area.

Presentation

The appellation area encompasses 27 communes in Maine-et-Loire, 9 in Vienne and 2 in Deux-Sèvres.

Soil and climate

Soils: The vineyards are scattered in blocks, on tuffeau (chalk) hillocks and Senonian or Eocene outcrops.

Climate: Temperate oceanic, but the hills of the Saumurois slow down the westerly winds; the plots furthest from the Loire are therefore subject to a continental influence

 

Cultivation methods

Minimum density 4,000 plants/ha. 

Single Guyot pruning generally.