Touraine AOC is the generic appellation covering the Touraine region in France’s Loire Valley. Touraine AOC can come from anywhere within the old province of Touraine, roughly bordered by Fontevraud and Blois to the west and east, and Château-Renault and Loches to the north and south (Clive Coates MW: 1990, p.223). production zone centres on the valleys of the Loire, Indre and Cher departments (Guide Hachette des Vins 2004, p.923).

Vineyard area & wine production: 1998 166,138hl of red and rosé, 148,548hl of white from 4,456ha (Clive Coates MW: 1990, p.223). | 2002 285,100hl from 5,438ha (Guide Hachette des Vins 2004, p.923).

Soil: The limestone tuffeau rarely outcrops, the soils most often overlay flinty clay (‘argile à silex’) (Guide Hachette des Vins 2004, p.923). ‘Large area. Many different soils. Clay-limestone dominates (Clive Coates MW: 1990, p.223).

Wines

Touraine AOC Mousseux: A traditional method sparkling wine.

Touraine AOC Blanc: Mainly Sauvignon Blanc now plus Chenin Blanc. Up to 20% Chardonnay is permitted.

Touraine AOC Sauvignon: ‘A reasonably priced substitute for Sancerre,’ (Hugh Johnson: Wine Companion: 1991, p.169).

Touraine AOC Rosé: Mainly from Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc, plus Côt (Malbec) and Cabernet Franc. Also allied: Cabernet Sauvignon, Groslot, Pineau d’Aunis, Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier (Clive Coates MW: 1990, p.223-4).

Touraine AOC Rouge: Made from the same varieties as Touraine Rosé (above) apart from Groslot.

Touraine AOC Gamay: ‘A reasonably priced substitute for Beaujolais,’ (Hugh Johnson: Wine Companion: 1991, p.169).