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À royal chateau owes it to itself to vouch for a regal vineyard - Touraine Amboise wines reveal their elegance and melting richness with both delicacy and distinction.
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The vineyard
Geographical location: Upriver from Tours, the vineyard blossoms over six communes on the right bank of the Loire, and three on the left bank. |
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Surface area: 220 ha (550 acres).
History: The vineyard surrounds the chateau of Amboise, one of the most beautiful castles in the Touraine region. In 1463, Louis 11th, who had a soft spot for this wine, ordered it to be sold on the Tours market before any other wine because of its high quality. It made its entry into the royal court under François 1st.
Types of soil: "Perruches" (a flint and clay mixture that heats up very easily) and “aubuis” (a chalk and clay mixture that gives the wine strength).
Climate: The Loire still carries the Atlantic influence even this far inland, but a certain continental nature turns this terroir into a mixed zone. |
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The wine
Annual production: 9,000 hl including 60% red, 30% rosé and 10% white
Basic yield: 55 hl/ha for reds and rosés, 60 hl/ha for whites
Grape varieties: Gamay (majority), Cabernet and Côt in red wines; Chenin in white wines
Dominant growing practices: Density of 6,600 plants/ha.
Tasting
Sensory characteristics:
Red: The Gamay-Cabernet-Côt blend is presented under the name of the “Cuvée François Ier”, a balanced and all-round wine, with a deep robe, silky tannins and an elegant fruitiness.
Rosé: Supple and fresh, reminiscent of cherries or redcurrants.
White: Fresh and citrus fruits develop into quince and honey when it is made into an off-dry or sweet wine.
Rather supple and sometimes very chunky on the palate, with fine tannins. Fresh and balanced finish.
Serving temperature: Rosés and whites are served at 10°C; the Cuvée François Ier at 16°C; the other red wines at 14°C.
Ageing potential: Most of the wines blossom within 2 years; it is worth waiting at least 5 years for the more full-bodied among them. |
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