Saumur
In Saumur, wine makers build caves in the chalky soil so that wine can rest in stable condition. If you visit the area, we recommend you visit one of these caves (called "tuffeau" in french).
Wine makers produce red, dry white and sparkling white and rosé wines.
Red wines are fruity and light. The ones from Saumur Champigny are among the best red wines in the Loire Valley.
Sparkling wines take advantage of the chalky soil and of the caves mentioned above. They can be a cheaper alternative to Champagne.
White wines from Saumur are nervous and can age a few years in a cellar.
Saumur wine information:
Name:
Appellation Saumur Champigny Controlée
Appellation Saumur Controlée
Appellation Cabernet de Saumur Controlée
Appellation Coteaux de Saumur Controlée
Appellation Saumur Rouge Controlée
Appellation Saumur Blanc Controlée
Appellation Saumur Brut Controlée
Location:
South East of Angers city, on the left bank of the river, and East of Coteaux du Layon and Anjou.
Places:
Saumur, Le Puy Notre Dame, Varrains, Vaudelnay, Saint Cyr en Bourg, Turquant, Champigny, Dampierre sur Loire, etc
Soil:
Chalk
Limestone
Size:
4,000 ha (9,900 acres)
Production:
20 million bottles
Grapes:
Red: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
White: Chenin blanc, Chardonnay
Type of wines:
Fruity red wine
Dry white wine
Dry sparkling white wine
Age:
Red: 2 to 8 years
White: 1 to 3 years
Vintages(recommended):
Red: 2003, 1998, 1997
White: 2003
Aromas:
Sparkling wine:
White flowers
Brioche
White wine:
Apple
Broom
Red wine:
Red fruits
Licorice
Food:
Various
Cheese:
Red:
Chabichou du Poitou
Crottin de Chavignol
Saint Nectaire
Valencay
