Anjou

The Anjou AOC is reserved for still red and white wines. The vineyards are located primarily in Maine-et-Loire, south of Angers, but also extend into a few municipalities in the Deux-Sèvres and Vienne departments. With a total area of approximately 2,400 hectares, annual production can reach 135,000 hectoliters. Anjou is situated within two distinct geographical zones: to the west lies the Armorican Massif with its schist soils, and to the east, the Paris Basin with its white soils derived from Tuffeau. This rich terroir allows for the production of a wide variety of wines, satisfying those always on the lookout for something new. Furthermore, the vineyard’s location in the Loire Valley allows the vines to benefit from an oceanic climate as well as a microclimate, given that the winds are dry and annual rainfall is less than 600 millimeters. All the conditions are thus in place to produce quality wines. Regarding grape varieties, the white AOC is produced primarily from Chenin, which must account for at least 80% of the blend. The other grape varieties used, though in smaller proportions, are Chardonnay and Sauvignon. As for red Anjou, the main grape varieties are Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. They may be blended with other minor varieties, but these must not exceed 30% of the final composition. During the tasting, you will first notice that red Anjou reveals a very vibrant color, a brilliant ruby red. The white variety has a pale yellow color with green highlights (which can be golden if the grapes are very ripe). In the second phase, the reds will fill your nose with very floral notes and red fruit, while the whites offer aromas of white flowers and white fruit. On the palate, red Anjou is appreciated for its round body and structure, defined by fine, elegant tannins, and the white will charm you with its freshness, balance between alcohol and acidity, and its very fruity character. These wines can be enjoyed young (as early as March–April) but have an aging potential of 3 years. For successful food-wine pairings, feel free to serve your bottle of Anjou with meals featuring white or red meat, fish, or asparagus. You’ll then be able to discover the full potential this wine has to offer!!!