A vine variety is characterised by the shape of its leaves and grapes and by the gustatory quality of the wines it produces.
The white varieties
Chenin
Typical of the Loire Valley, and even known as Pineau de la Loire, chenin has been grown in the area for a very long time (since the 10th century). It has many facets, producing wines with different and very marked personalities and characters. The wide variety of terroirs where it is grown, growing practices and vinification methods used produce not only dry (Savennières) and medium-dry white wines (Coteaux du Layon) but also basic wines for making effervescent wines (Saumur, Crémant de Loire and Vouvray). Chenin has multiple aromatic tones: citrus fruits such as grapefruit and pineapple; white-fleshed fruits such as pear and peach, and preserves such as quince. Lastly, floral overtones with acacia or lime blossom.
Le Sauvignon
Grown mainly in the vineyards of the Centre region and in Touraine, Sauvignon has a very pleasant, generous nose with floral overtones of predominately box, broom or citrus fruits such as grapefruit and lemon. Its fine, delicate bouquet is a mixture of white-fleshed and exotic fruits.
Chardonnay
This variety, which originated in Burgundy, has great aromatic complexity and a broad palette of vegetal, floral or fruity overtones depending on its terroir and origin. It is used either together with chenin, particularly in the Saumur region for still white wines, or for producing basic wines destined for making Fines Bulles wines (Crémant de Loire).
Melon de Bourgogne
Also known as Muscadet and grown since the late 18th century in the Nantes region, this is the only variety used in the Muscadet appellation. Its predominantly floral or mineral nose depending on terroir can even cover more fruity overtones such as green apple. It goes wonderfully well with fish and shellfish. The harvest of this early variety can start in mid-September.
The red varieties
Cabernet franc
Also known as cabernet "breton" and grown for a very long time in the Loire (since the 11th century), depending on the terroirs where it is grown cabernet franc can be used to produce a very wide variety of wines (Bourgueil, Chinon and Saumur-Champigny) with very different personalities. Light and lively or more structured and tannic, they are very elegant and delicate and therefore appeal to a broad clientèle.
Cabernet–Sauvignon
Cabernet sauvignon originated in Aquitaine and is frequently associated with cabernet Franc to provide colour, structure and tannins.
Gamay Gamay Grown extensively in Touraine, this light and lively variety produces fresh and fruity wines that are slightly acidic, with overtones of red fruits: blackberry, redcurrant and raspberry. Vinified as a nouveau wine, it produces a fresh, easy drinking wine.
Pineau d’Aunis
The oldest Loire vine variety.
A very long time ago a wild variety of vine, red with black grapes, grew on the slopes lining the Loire, winding around the branches of trees. This variety of vine was domesticated by monks in Anjou and Touraine but remained as untamable as the Loire. It was called Pineau d’Aunis because it was reproduced at Aunis Priory (in Dampierre near Saumur). In the Middle Ages, the name "Pineau" appears to have been reserved for the highest quality grapes. Pineau d’Aunis was also called "Breton". This same variety also gave rise to a great variety with multiple facets, Pineau de la Loire.
Today this variety has seen a resurgence in a Fines Bulles wine, with Ackerman's XNoir. It is only natural that it should be Ackerman that has given this old variety a new lease of life because Jean-Baptiste Ackerman was the first to produce Fines Bulles wines in the Loire with Chenin blanc, in 1811. Pineau d’Aunis is a very characteristic variety: peppery, spicy and very expressive. It is currently grown in Anjou, Touraine and the Vendôme area, on limestone soils.
Groleau
Groleau (or Groslot) originated in Touraine and produces rosés that are easy drinking, fruity and semi-dry. After cabernet franc and gamay, it is the most widely grown red variety in the Loire Valley. This vigorous, resistant variety still accounts for a sixth of the region's total production. Mainly grown for Rosé d'Anjou, it is also used in assemblage with drier rosés such as Rosé de Loire and Touraine Azay-le-Rideau.
Pinot noir
Pinot noir is a red variety from Burgundy. This early variety has the ability to adapt to any climate and comes into its own on limestone soils. It grows best in the Loire Valley, in the vineyards of the Centre, on limestone soils. Its olfactory range is dominated by prune, vanilla spices and liquorice.
Cot
This tannic variety can produce a red or rosé wine.
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