François Cazin
To the south of Blois, a town perhaps best associated with its imposing château, lie the little-known twin appellations of Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny. Having only been elevated from the level of Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure to appellation status in 1993, neither are regularly spotted on the average wine merchant’s list, and I think it is fair to say that these wines are a niche interest, most likely to appeal most to the hardened Loire fanatic.
Of the two regions, Cheverny is the larger, and it is also the most familiar; the wines here are very similar in style to those of the surrounding Touraine appellations. The appellation regulations dictate whites dominated by Sauvignon Blanc (the grape must account for 60-85% of the blend), blended with Chardonnay, Menu Pineau, a little-known cousin of Chenin Blanc and Chenin Blanc itself. The rosés and reds, meanwhile, are made from Gamay, with secondary blenders including Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Côt and, in the case of rosé alone, Pineau d’Aunis.
Please log in to continue reading: