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.
Gamay is a Burgundian grape variety that has existed since the 14th century. For fear of competition with the pinot noir of Burgundy, gamay was finally uprooted and planted in the Beaujolais region, from Mâcon to Lyon. These siliceous and granitic soils suit it perfectly, and it gives its best here. But it is also planted all over France, such as in Lorraine, in the Loire Valley, in Bugey, in Savoie and in Auvergne. Gamay is early and very productive and needs to be limited so that quality prevails over quantity. Short winter pruning of the shoots and high density of vines per hectare are the methods that allow it to produce very fruity, fresh and greedy red wines. Gamay is also very popular in red wine futures, and produces wines from the Beaujolais region with very interesting character and ageing potential. The AOCs Crémant-de-Bourgogne, Mâcon, Anjou, Touraine, Rosé de vallée de la Loire, Côtes-d'Auvergne, Saint-Pourçain, Bugey, Gaillac, Côtes du Luberon... and many vins de pays are proud of it. Today, about 36,000 hectares of Gamay are cultivated in France, including 22,000 hectares in Beaujolais.
wines from the region of Coteaux du Giennois go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, veal or pork such as recipes of braciola (southern italy), veal breast with new vegetables or cabbage casserole.
