Cheverny AOC: An appellation and a vineyard at the gates of Chambord!

The Cheverny AOC (or AOP) produces wines in a variety of styles and colors: white wines, red wines, and rosé wines. The appellation was created in 1993 and today has more than 60 winegrowers spread over a vineyard of 500 hectares. Cheverny wines are renowned for their finesse, freshness, and elegance, reflecting the richness and diversity of the region’s terroir.

Nestled in the heart of Sologne, in the shadow of the Château de Chambord, the Cheverny appellation covers a relatively small area, about four times smaller than the Chinon appellation, spread over 24 communes in the Loir-et-Cher department. Although its winemaking history dates back to Roman times, it was not until 1993 that it obtained the status of Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), thus recognizing the typicity and quality of its wines.

Cheverny : The appellation

The Cheverny appellation is located in the heart of Sologne, just a stone’s throw from the majestic Château de Chambord. This wine-growing region, nestled on the banks of the Cosson River, covers 532 hectares spread over 24 communes in the Loir-et-Cher department. Although its history dates back to Roman times, it was not until 1993 that Cheverny obtained the status of Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), thus consecrating the typicity and quality of its wines.

The Cheverny vineyard is distinguished by its sandy and loamy soils, which are derived from alluvial deposits from the Cher and Loire rivers. This terroir, combined with a temperate oceanic climate, gives the grapes optimal maturity and a unique aromatic richness. This diversity is reflected in the wines of Cheverny, which come in a wide range of colors and flavors.

Villages of the Cheverny appellation

Candé-sur-Beuvron, Cellettes, Cheverny, Chitenay, Cormeray, Cour-Cheverny, Feings, Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Fresnes, Huisseau-sur-Cosson, Les Montils, Maslives, Mont-près-Chambord, Monthou-sur-Bièvre, Montlivault, Muides-sur-Loire, Ouchamps, Saint-Claude-de-Diray, Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, Saint-Laurent-Nouan, Sambin, Seur, Tour-en-Sologne, Vineuil

Cheverny : The wines

Red wines

Rosé wines

Dry white wines

Sparkling wines

The white wines of the Cheverny AOC appellation are mainly produced from the Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grape varieties. They are elegant and refined wines, which develop aromas of white flowers, white fruits (apple, pear), citrus fruits, and sometimes mineral notes. Depending on the terroirs and the exposures, you will find in your bottle of Cheverny wine subtle variations and combinations of all these aromas. Some say that the white wines of Cheverny are among the finest in the Loire Valley… that’s just their opinion, but to be honest, we have indeed tasted some remarkable ones, and often at an excellent quality-price ratio.

On the red wine side, the preferred grape variety is Pinot Noir, often blended with Gamay. Cheverny red wines are generally light and fruity, with aromas of red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, cherry) and sometimes spicy notes. They can be either supple and charming, or more structured and complex, depending on the terroirs and the vintages. And of course, the Cheverny appellation also produces delicious rosés and elegant and festive sparkling wines.

Grape varieties used for Cheverny wines

According to the latest census, the grape varieties of the Cheverny AOC are Gamay and Pinot Noir in the lead, followed closely by Cabernet Franc, Côt, Pineau d’Aunis, Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc.

Cheverny : The wineries

The AOC Cheverny, with its unique geographical designation, brings together more than 60 winegrowers and wine estates. From Blois to Romorantin-Lanthenay, via Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny, choosing a winegrower for a tasting at the property leaves you with… the embarrassment of choice! Fortunately, to help you, we have listed all the possibilities for visiting the Cheverny cellars right here.