LOIRE VALLEY GPIs
Did you know ?
Production of Loire Valley PGI wines is permitted across 14 Departments in the Loire Valley winegrowing region, Loire Valley PGI was named "vins de pays". However, since August 2009, Vins de Pays wines have a new quality marker recognised at European level: Indication Géographique Protégée, or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication). Although there are no legal barriers to its use, the Vin de Pays name is slowly isappearing as wines adopt the new Loire Valley PGI label. Loire Valley PGI is available in white, red and rosé. It can be produced in 100% grape variety or in blends.
Climate
In general, the Loire climate is temperate, with oceanic nfluences in the Nantes and Anjou regions. In Touraine these influences gradually become more continental.
Soil type
The Loire and its tributaries flow through a variety of geological landscapes ranging from the Massif Armoricain in the Nantais and Anjou to the limestone of Saumur and Touraine and volcanic rock of Auvergne.
Varietals
White : Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay, Grolleau gris, Chenin, Pinot gris, Folle Blanche, Melon, Orbois, Pinot blanc, Sacy, Sauvignon gris.
Red : Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Grolleau noir, Grolleau gris, Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Merlot, Pineau d’Aunis, Abouriou, Cabernet Sauvignon, Côt (ou Malbec), Egiodola, Gamay de Bouze, Gamay de Chaudenay, Négrette.
Dry white, red and rosé
Annual production*
255 000 hl
or 34 millions bottles
Producers
760
Basic Yield
90 hl/ha
Conservation
10°-14°
Best enjoyed young
10° blancs, rosés
14° rouges
Food and Wine Parings
Menu
White wines are largely dry with a distinctive vibrancy and delicate floral and fruity flavours. Rosés are light, bright and refreshing, while reds can be light or robust in structure, but always with a distinctive suppleness.
* Annual average over the last 5 years
