The Coteaux-du-Giennois AOC is located in the Centre-Loire sub-region. The 200 hectare VineyardLies on two distinct soils separated by the "Cosne fault". To the North, the soils are composed of clay, silica and sometimes limestone, they are located in the area from Briare to Gien. To the South, the vineyards are located on white earth and clots, with siliceous deposits in places.
To claim their Coteaux-du-Giennois appellation, the wines must be made from the Sauvignon grape variety for the whites, and from a blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir for the reds and rosés. The proximity of the Loire River offers a mild Climate, even if some late frosts sometimes occur in the spring. 8,100 hectoliters are produced annually if we combine the three types of wines. The characteristics of each of the Coteaux-du-Giennois are difficult to define because these wines present very varied gustatory nuances according to their soil and their situation.
Cabernet Franc is one of the oldest red grape varieties in Bordeaux. The Libourne region is its terroir where it develops best. The terroirs of Saint-Emilion and Fronsac allow it to mature and develop its best range of aromas. It is also the majority in many blends. The very famous Château Cheval Blanc, for example, uses 60% Cabernet Franc. The wines produced with Cabernet Franc are medium in colour with fine tannins and subtle aromas of small red fruits and spices. When blended with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it brings complexity and a bouquet of aromas to the wine. It produces fruity wines that can be drunk quite quickly, but whose great vintages can be kept for a long time. It is an earlier grape variety than Cabernet Sauvignon, which means that it is planted as far north as the Loire Valley. In Anjou, it is also used to make sweet rosé wines. Cabernet Franc is now used in some twenty countries in Europe and throughout the world.
red wines from the region of Coteaux du Giennois go well with generally quite well with dishes of veal, game (deer, venison) or poultry such as recipes of braised veal heart with carrots, fillet of venison or baked chicken.
