The wine region of Anjou is located in the region of Centre Loire of Loire Valley of France. Wineries and vineyards like the Domaine Lacheteau or the Domaine Moncourt produce mainly wines white, red and pink. The most planted grape varieties in the region of Anjou are Chenin blanc, Cabernet franc and Cabernet-Sauvignon, they are then used in wines in blends or as a single variety. On the nose of Anjou often reveals types of flavors of red fruit, caramel or bell pepper and sometimes also flavors of tomatoes, cassis or mushroom.
In the mouth of Anjou is a with a nice freshness. We currently count 448 estates and châteaux in the of Anjou, producing 960 different wines in conventional, organic and biodynamic agriculture. The wines of Anjou go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, pork or game (deer, venison).
The wines produced in the Vendôme region are of excellent quality thanks to an exceptional grape variety: pineau d'aunis. For example, the red wines of the region, with their aromas of ripe red fruit and sweet spices, are a blend of Pineau d'Aunis, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. The Vendôme hillsides are less than 200 km southwest of Paris. Pineau d'Aunis, a vigorous black grape variety, was first cultivated in the 9th century. It is characterized by a late budburst. Moreover, its foliage partially reddens in autumn. Although it is difficult to grow, Pineau d'Aunis is a high-yielding grape variety, producing between 40 and 80 hectolitres per hectare. It produces a wine with low alcohol content, supple, light-coloured and very aromatic. The "Pineau d'Aunis" grape variety is used as a single variety for the production of Coteaux du Vendômois. On the other hand, it is used in blends for Anjou, Rosé d'Anjou, Crémant de vallée de la Loire, Rosé de vallée de la Loire, Saumur, Saumur Champigny, Coteaux du Loir and Touraine. Finally, it is an accessory grape variety for Valençay.
red wines from the region of Anjou go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, pork or game (deer, venison) such as recipes of beef bourguignon with tomato, ham and cheese cake or mixed paella valenciana.
I haplessly strayed into this controversial territory last summer during a debate at the Paulée d’Anjou event, having noted a significant minority of VSIG producers (Vin Sans Indication Géographique, the customary French abbreviation for this category) in the Loire. It seemed a shame, I burbled innocently, not to make use of local appellations to build understanding of their unique character, as well as show solidarity with fellow growers. The room quietened a little; glances were exchanged. C ...
The largest-ever year for entries, an incredible 18,244 wines were judged at the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards – with just 163 wines awarded a Platinum medal. ‘Winning a Platinum medal is something really exceptional’ said Decanter World Wine Awards Co-Chair Sarah Jane Evans MW. ‘Platinum is like the stratospheric level’ she commented, ‘so it’s really saying to the winemaker: this is a great wine.’ Making up just 0.87% of the total wines tasted at the 2022 c ...
While some people prefer to avoid restaurants altogether on Valentine’s Day, for others it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a romantic evening out. For wine lovers, finding venues with a great selection of bottles is an added bonus. Whether you’re after prestige Bordeaux and classic vintages or interesting and quirky bottles from less well-known producers, the selection below gives you plenty of options. We also tell you what to expect from the wine list in each venue. From Michel ...
