In the heart of the Loire Valley, the vineyards have shaped for centuries a unique landscape, reflecting ancestral expertise carried on by numerous local winemakers. Touraine and its vineyards perfectly embody this heritage, appealing both to curious explorers and seasoned enthusiasts.As we will see, all styles are represented here: fresh red, lively white wine, festive bubbles...this region and its appellation have everything to accompany wonderful moments of sharing!
So, follow the guide, let’s dive together into the wine history of the region and discover its wines!
Summary
History of the Touraine AOC
The vine in Touraine is not a recent development: its history in fact dates back to Antiquity, a period when the Romans introduced its cultivation along the banks of the Loire. The river quickly became a major asset by facilitating the transport of barrels as well as the distribution of the region's wines.
In the Middle Ages, the monks took over. In the abbeys and monasteries, they developed and structured viticulture, not only for religious needs but also for trade. The Loire and its tributaries then played a central role, becoming true distribution routes for wines to the major cities. It was also during this period that the first writings mention an organized and recognized viticulture in Touraine.
Renaissance marked a decisive turning point for the region. During this period, Francis I praised the quality of Touraine wines, while Rabelais celebrated them in his works, with his inimitable wit.Moreover, thanks to river trade and the interest of the elites, local wines gained prestige and far exceeded regional borders. Some vintages were even served at the royal court!
From the 17th to the 19th century, French viticulture experienced ups and downs. Trade constraints and upheavals related to the French Revolution were among the many challenges that the country’s winegrowers had to overcome. Then, at the end of the 19th century, phylloxera, a devastating pest, ravaged French vineyards and forced winegrowers to replant on resistant American rootstocks, marking the beginning of a slow reconstruction of the vineyards after decades of hardship.
In 1939, the Coteaux de Touraine designation was officially created, before being recognized as AOC Touraine in 1953. Since then, the region has distinguished itself by the diversity and quality of its wines. In 2000, the inscription of the Loire Valley as a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized both the beauty of its landscapes and its winegrowing heritage.
Today, the Touraine AOC consists of a vineyard extending over 143 communes and 2 departments (Indre-et-Loire and Loir-et-Cher). It covers more than 5,000 hectares and includes five geographical denominations highlighting specific terroirs: Amboise, Azay le Rideau, Chenonceaux, Mesland, and Oisly.
Royal portrait of Francis I: he praised the finesse of Touraine wines
Soils and climate of the Touraine appellation
With such a vast vineyard, it goes without saying that the terroirs of the appellation are particularly varied. The diversity of soils is indeed remarkable: clay-limestone, clay-siliceous, sand, gravel, flint (called "perruches"), each type of terroir leaves its mark on the wines.
The limestones impart, for example, tension, freshness, and liveliness and are particularly sought after in white wines. The clays usually bring more substance and roundness to the blends, while sands and gravels tend to produce light, supple, and fruity wines.
Finally, Touraine benefits from a temperate climate with a dual influence: oceanic and continental. The first brings mildness and consistency, while the second, more pronounced in the eastern part of the vineyard, results in greater temperature variations and often dry, bright autumns.
This combination of factors promotes a slow and gradual ripening of the grapes in the region and is ideal for developing complex aromas while preserving a beautiful natural acidity. In the glass, this results in balanced, aromatic wines that always retain a touch of freshness.
Styles of AOC Touraine wines and possible pairings
If you enjoy fresh, aromatic, and approachable wines, AOC Touraine will certainly win you over. The appellation indeed offers a great diversity ranging from white or red to rosé and sparkling wines, each style reflecting the elegance, liveliness, and freshness typical of the Loire Valley.
White wines
White wines are predominant within AOC Touraine and represent more than 60% of production.With Sauvignon Gris (rarely planted), Sauvignon Blanc is the only white grape variety that can be used within the framework of the AOC. The latter gives the wines aromas of citrus, boxwood, white flowers and fruits, as well as, sometimes, exotic notes, all supported by a characteristic minerality.
Sauvignon Blanc from Touraine also offer great versatility for pairings and are suitable for many occasions. Seafood, grilled fish, and fresh goat cheeses are, for example, timeless classics that always work well.
We recommend that you drink these wines while relatively young (3-5 years maximum) and serve them between 8-10°C to express all their freshness.
Sauvignon Blanc, the signature grape variety of Touraine white wines
Red wines
Touraine reds are expressed through numerous grape varieties but the two main ones remain Gamay as well as Côt (Malbec). The first produces fruity, light, and easy-drinking wines while the second often enriches blends, bringing color, structure, fruitiness, and spicy notes. Other grape varieties such as Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are also present, although they are in the minority within the appellation.
Overall, the red wines of the AOC Touraine are supple, fruity, and approachable, and the majority of them are designed to be enjoyed young. Their versatility also makes them ideal companions to pair with poultry, cured meats, regional dishes, or cheeses.
Gamay: a key grape variety for Touraine red wines
Rosés
The rosés of AOC Touraine are also fresh, light, and very fruity, offering a simple yet very pleasant tasting experience in their youth. They are often made from Gamay, sometimes complemented by Cabernet Franc or Côt.
Easy to drink, these are perfect wines for aperitifs, summer meals, salads, grilled dishes, or even light dishes.
Sparkling wines
Finally, sparkling wines from the AOC Touraine account for 10% of production. Produced using the traditional method, they stand out for their freshness and finesse and are mainly made from Chenin Blanc or Chardonnay, sometimes complemented by Cabernet Franc for the rosé versions.
These Loire bubbles offer a delicate aromatic palette, combining white fruits, citrus, and floral notes, all with a lively acidity that gives them balance and vibrancy.They are also perfect as an appetizer or to accompany light meals and reflect the varied terroir of Touraine.
The best wines of the AOC Touraine
Many talented estates are scattered throughout the Touraine appellation. For example, we could mention Domaine de la Renaudie, François Cartier, or the renowned Domaine Bonnigal Bodet. Nevertheless, among the excellent producers of AOC Touraine, Domaine Delobel stands out in our opinion.
Cultivating 13 hectares using organic farming methods, Benjamin and Sandrine skillfully showcase Sauvignon Blanc (their flagship grape variety), as well as Gamay and Pineau d’Aunis, offering precise and authentic wines that faithfully reflect the Touraine terroir.
It’s quite simple, the range is flawless and offers us wines with a lot of personality as well as an excellent quality-to-price ratio!
The Domaine Delobel wine cellar
As you will have understood, the AOC Touraine is a concentrate of diversity, freshness, and conviviality: from vibrant whites to fruity reds, including light rosés and festive sparkling wines, the appellation offers a range of wines capable of delighting every palate. All that’s left is for you to start tasting! To do so, visit your favorite online wine merchant and discover our selection of the best wines from Touraine and the Loire!
