Val de Loire is a regional PGI title, covering wines produced in an area that roughly corresponds to the Val de Loire wine region in northern France. The PGI catchment area covers 14 departments and is one of the largest in France in terms of area. The Terroir is extremely varied throughout the Loire Valley region. Wines produced under the PGI title have as much style as the AOC appellations of the Loire.
Loire Valley PGI wines have a familiar range of Grape varieties to draw from - the classic Loire varieties of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Melon de Bourgogne are often used, as are Gamay and Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are also present in the vineyards, but in smaller quantities. The majority of wines produced under the PGI are made from a single grape variety. The geographical area of the PGI follows the Loire River for about 550 kilometers (350 miles).
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 Val de Loire go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or spicy food such as recipes of traditional hungarian goulash, lamb shoulder confit or cambodian amok.
