HAUT POITOU
Did you know ?
Vine-growing was first introduced into Haut-Poitou in Gallo-Roman times. Over the centuries, the vineyards grew in size and then shrank back again, at the mercy o f one war and invasion after another. Eventually, Guillaume X, Duke of Guyenne and Count of Poitiers, took on the task of developing the vineyards; when Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry Plantagenet (Henry II of England, England quickly became their principal market.
Climate
The climate here is subject to oceanic influences which regulate temperatures, but also has a continental quality giving lower rainfall. Average annual rainfall is 630 mm, while sunshine hours are high, at 1,900 hours per year.
Soil type
The appellation soils are mainly calcareous clay.
Varietals
Red: cabernet franc, gamay, merlot, pinot noir.
White: Sauvignon Blanc, fié gris
Dry white, red, rosé
Annual production*
5 700 hl
or 760 000 bottles
Producers
9
Basic Yield
Whites 67 hl/ha
Reds 58 hl/ha
Rosés 60 hl/ha
Conservation
8°-14°
2 to 5 years
Whites 8°-12°
Reds 13°-14°
Rosés 8°-12°
Whites: 2 - 3 years
Reds: 4 - 5 years
Food and Wine Parings
Menu
Reds: Elegant, their colour veering towards ruby red.
Whites: Are fresh and crisp, often showing floral, fruity aromas - a mix of white and yellow flowers and citrus fruit.
Reds: Full of red berries, cherries and spice with an edge of freshness.
Rosés: These are light wines, lively without being aggressive, full of ripe fruit flavours.
* Annual average over the last 5 years
