Wines made from Meslier Saint François grapes of Loire Valley
Discover the best wines made with Meslier Saint François as a single variety or as a blend of Loire Valley.
Meslier Saint François is a French grape variety that comes from the Gatinais, located south of the Paris basin. It was obtained from a cross between Chenin and Gouais Blanc. It is planted on a surface area of 50 ha in France and is often confused with Arbois, hence the synonym it shares with the latter, Orbois. Its berries and clusters are of normal size. Its adult leaves have convex teeth. Meslier Saint François is not very vigorous, but it remains fertile. It buds early, 3 days before Chasselas. It is often exposed to spring frosts and is susceptible to oidium and grey rot. Meslier Saint François produces flat, light wines with little alcohol. When distilled, its eaux de vie are full of bouquet and fine. It can thus be used in the blending of grape varieties that produce cognac or armagnac.
The Loire Valley is a key wine region in western France. It follows the course of the Loire River on its Long journey through the heart of France, from the inland hills of the Auvergne to the plains of the French Atlantic coast near Nantes (Muscadet country). Important in terms of quantity and quality, the region produces large quantities (about 4 million h/l each year) of everyday wines, as well as some of France's greatest wines. Diversity is another of the region's major assets; the styles of wine produced here range from the light, tangy Muscadet to the Sweet, honeyed Bonnezeaux, the Sparkling whites of Vouvray and the juicy, Tannic reds of Chinon and Saumur.