Montlouis sur Loire? Chenin blanc wines that come in 5 shades of … white!
O surprise, the Montlouis appellation rests on a limestone plateau, the famous “tuffeau de Touraine”, which is found almost systematically on the great Loire wine appellations. The soils are mainly clay with flint (called “perruches” in French) and alluvial sands: let’s not forget that the Montlouis vineyard is “stuck” between two “seas”, the river Loire to the north and the river Cher to the south.
The cultivation of the vine is an ancestral practice in Montlouis sur Loire: it dates back to the 5th century of our era! Another milestone in its history, the creation of the AOC Montlouis-sur-Loire in 1938. It marks a turning point for its winegrowers, since it marks the effective separation from its big sister Vouvray, located on the opposite bank of the Loire, and with which it previously shared the common appellation “Vins de Vouvray”.
Over the past twenty years, the AOC (AOP) Montlouis sur Loire has gained in reputation. And in a not usurped way: the result of the work of a new generation of winegrowers, like Jacky Blot from the Domaine de la Taille aux Loups or François Chidaine, from the eponymous domain. Other young(er) winegrowers followed.
Montlouis sur Loire : The appellation
- 1938
- 385
- hectares
- Indre-et-Loire
Located in the Indre-et-Loire department, the Montlouis sur Loire appellation extends a few kilometers east of the city of Tours, on the south bank of the Loire. The Montlouis sur Loire vineyard covers three villages: Lussault-sur-Loire, Saint-Martin-le-Beau and Montlouis-sur-Loire (of course!). These villages bring together around forty Montlouis wine producers whose vineyards cover just under 400 hectares. The Montlouis appellation is nestled in the heart of the Touraine appellation (nearby are the vineyards of Touraine-Amboise and Touraine-Chenonceaux). Another notable fact: the proximity of the city of Tours. The perfect opportunity to combine a heritage visit and wine tasting!
Villages of the Montlouis sur Loire appellation
Montlouis sur Loire : The wines
The wines of the Montlouis appellation are produced exclusively from the Chenin Blanc grape variety, also called Pineau de la Loire. As in Vouvray, Montlouis can be vinified in sparkling, dry, semi-dry or sweet wines. As many “shades of white” that one can dream of.
Montlouis wines offer a wide range of styles and a real richness in terms of aromas: citrus fruits (lemon, lime, grapefruit, orange, etc.), white-fleshed fruits (apple, pear, quinces), exotic fruits ( pineapple, mango,…) and floral or vegetal notes (acacia, lime blossom,…). Makes you want to taste, huh? Depending on the terroir, we can add very mineral notes, such as the famous “flint” that we find in the Loire from Angers to Pouilly!
When should you uncork a bottle of Montlouis? As an aperitif of course for sparkling wines. Dry white wines will be enjoyed with fish and seafood dishes. Semi-dry or sweet wines will accompany a nice caramelized apple pie or almond pear tart!
Grape varieties used for Montlouis sur Loire wines
Chenin Blanc
Montlouis sur Loire : The wineries
The Montlouis AOC ( or AOP) comprises around 40 wineries. Even if it is not a rule, many wine makers vinify in sparkling wines, but also in dry or sweet white wines. Before or after your tasting at the winery, you have the choice between visiting the city of Tours, the historic capital of Touraine. Unless you’re in the mood to visit a castle: Chenonceaux and Amboise are less than 20 minutes away by car.
Loire Valley wines
Invite Montlouis sur Loire to your cellar!
Our selection of Loire Valley wines: flagship wineries but also great wines to be discovered from a new generation of passionate winemakers.
