Savennières: 1 village, 3 appellations and many exceptional dry white wines!

The three AOC (or AOP) of Savennières produce great white wines, essentially dry but can also be vinified in semi-dry or sweet. The appellation was created in 1952, and today brings together more than 30 wineries spread over a (small) vineyard of 150 hectares.

The particularity of the terroir which shelters the vineyard of Savennières is based on its remarkable exposure, facing the Loire, with sloping hillsides mainly facing the south. From a geological point of view, we are dealing with a plateau mainly composed of shales, with some sandy areas. This plateau is cracked in places. These cracks, locally called “coulées”, have given rise to exceptional plots, such as the famous “Coulée de Serrant” which has certainly produced the most beautiful wines of Savennières since 1130! It is the association between the Chenin grape variety and this fabulous terroir that make the fabulous diversity and quality of the region’s white wines.

Savennières : The appellation

The vineyard of the Savennières is located about fifteen kilometers south-west of Angers, on the north bank of the Loire. The production area is estimated at around 150 hectares, spread over only three villages. Savennières therefore remains a “small” appellation in terms of area. Beyond the main appellation, the vineyard also includes around thirty hectares for the AOC Savennières-Roche-aux-Moines and 7 hectares for the Coulée-de-Serrant. These two “young” appellations were created in 2011.

Leaving from Angers, Savennières is the entry point to other very beautiful vineyards of Anjou, namely the Coteaux du Layon and the Coteaux de l’Aubance. Other chenin blanc “countries”, but with very different wines and atmospheres.

Villages of the Savennières appellation

Bouchemaine, La Possonnière, Savennières

Savennières : The wines

Dry white wines

Semi-sweet wines

Sweet wines

Among all the dry white wines of the Loire Valley, Savennières still remains a relatively unknown appellation today. Even if some have understood that its wines only beg that we pay attention to them: such finesse at (still) affordable prices. Because Savennières is capable of producing very great dry white wines. Fine, elegant, straight, firm, structured, complex. Beautiful adjectives to characterize wines with subtle aromas, a beautiful acidity and a very deep minerality. Wines that deserve patience : Savennières wines are built for the keeping and will only improve with age.

Grape varieties used for Savennières wines

Savennières wines are produced exclusively from Chenin Blanc. The majority of the production consists of dry white wines even if the appellation authorizes sweet wines (semi-dry or sweet).

Savennières : The wineries

The three Savennières wine appellations (including Savennières Roche-aux-Moines and Coulée de Serrant) amount to around 30 wineries. After your tasting at the winery, Angers, the capital of Anjou, remains an unmissable visit (unless you started there!). The region also offers many characterful villages such as Blaison-Gohier or Aubigné-sur-Layon. The Château de Brissac, about twenty kilometers away, will also open the doors to the wines of the Coteaux de l’Aubance.