Wines made from Pineau d'Aunis grapes of Crémant de Loire
Discover the best wines made with Pineau d'Aunis as a single variety or as a blend of Crémant de Loire.
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.
Crémant de Loire is the regional appellation for Sparkling wines from Anjou, Saumur and Touraine - the heart of France's Loire Valley wine region. Chenin Blanc is the main ingredient. A wide range of other traditional Loire grape varieties can be used. These include the obvious choices of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but also Cabernet Franc, Pineau d'Aunis, Grolleau Noir and even Cabernet Sauvignon.