|
The Coteaux d’Ancenis area has produced a rich and diverse number of wines since the Roman invasion. The Gamay grape is mainly grown granting few places for the Cabernet, Chenin Blanc and Malvoisie varietals.
The Coteaux d’Ancenis are divided into 4 appellations over more than 200 hectares (500 acres): Coteaux d’Ancenis Pinot, Coteaux d’Ancenis Gamay, Coteaux d’Ancenis Cabernet and Coteaux d’Ancenis Malvoisie.
The vineyard
Geographical location: Spanning both banks of the Loire, the vineyard of Coteaux d'Ancenis is located around the town of Ancenis (East of Nantes) and is mainly stretched over about fifteen communes of the Loire-Atlantique and Maine-et-Loire.
Surface area: 220 ha (550 acres).
History: The vineyard was established in the Pays d’Ancenis during the Roman invasion. However, these clear and light wines were only mentioned for the first time in the 17th century.
AOVDQS (Appellation d'Origine Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure) since 1973, these wines are produced in such different places asAncenis, but also Ligné, Champtoceaux, Saint-Florent le Vieil and Varades.
Types of soil: Micaschists, gneiss and greenschists.
Climate: Moderate oceanic climate with a weaker rainfall than in the rest of the Nantes vineyard.
The wine
Annual production: Roughly 16,000 hl
Basic yield: Roughly 60 hl/ha for the reds; roughly 65 hl/ha for the rosés and the whites.
Grape varieties:
Red: Gamay (majority), Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
White: Chenin blanc and Malvoisie (Pinot Gris) which tends to develop for the production of medium-dry white wines.
Tasting
Sensory characteristics:
The red and rosé wines are light and fruity with a light red ruby or cherry appearance. The aromas are light and fruity.
The white wines made of Malvoisie can be served equally.
|
|
|