Touraine-Azay le Rideau AOC is a white or rosé wine from either side of the Indre river in the Touraine district of the Loire Valley, France, and named after the magnificent local castle, Château d’Azay, overlooks the river and whose whose royal patrons gave preference to local wines at their tables. There is clear evidence that winegrowing in Touraine began in Azay le Rideau in the times of the Gallo Roman Empire.

Soil: Siliceous clay and chalky clay.

Climate: Oceanic influence to the west. Continental climate in the east.

Vineyard area & wine production: 2002 1,418hl of rosé and 945hl of white from 150ha (Guide Hachette des Vins 2004, p.932).

Wines

Touraine-Azay le Rideau Blanc AOC: Chenin Blanc (‘Pineau de la Loire’). Can be ‘sec’ or ‘sec tender’. Said to age well. 

Touraine-Azay le Rideau Rosé AOC: Grolleau (60% minimum), 20-40% Gamay and Côt, plus 0-20% Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon .

Touraine-Azay le Rideau Rouge AOC: Does not exist. Red wines are bottled as Touraine Rouge AOC.