The city of Angers is appreciated for its history, but also for its wine activities. During your stay in this tourist mecca, don't forget to discover the important sites of the city, as well as the vineyards of Anjou.
Presentation of the city of Angers
The city of Angers is located in the centre of the department of Maine-et-Loire. It bears many nicknames such as Angers la Noire (because of its houses made of schist) or the City of Flowers. This name comes from its horticultural nurseries, its arboriculture and its vineyard.
Historical capital of the cultural region of Anjou, the city of Angers was the stronghold of the Plantagenets dynasty. A true intellectual centre, it has many schools and universities. You will also find there sports clubs and adapted infrastructures.
Labelled City of Art and History, Angers seduces by its architectural wonders: castles, churches and buildings of all eras.
The town is also known for its green spaces. It has in particular 2 classified natural sites. In the city, you will find 18 parks and public gardens inviting you to relax.
What should you know about the vineyards of Anjou?
The city of Angers has a doublet. It can be named Angers or Anjou, depending on the circumstances. Angers, Saumur, Thouars, Montsoreau and Chalonnes-sur-Loire are close to the vineyards of Anjou. The latter produces 35% rosé wine, 31% red wine, 18% white wine and 16% sparkling wine.
The vineyards of the Loire Valley have many AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) and AOVDQS (Appellation d'Origine Vin délimité de Qualité Supérieure) wines. South of Angers, on the left bank of the Loire, you will find the Coteaux-de-l'Aubance appellation. Spread over 160 hectares, the terroir produces a sweet white wine made from Chenin Blanc.
Still to the south of the city is the Coteaux-du-Layon appellation. The vines, from Chenin Blanc, are planted on the sides of the Layon basin over an area of 1,700 hectares. The terroir also produces sweet white wine.
Where to go for a visit to the cellars of Angers?
Looking for good addresses for a visit to the cellars near Angers? The places below will allow you to get acquainted with the wine culture.
The Domaine du Closel
It is in Savennières that you will find this estate. Thanks to a good exposure and a particular soil, it produces excellent wines. To meet the specifications of the AOC Savennières, the vineyard has obtained Ecocert and Demeter certifications.
On the estate, you can spend a day harvesting in the company of professionals to better understand the winemaking process. You will also have the opportunity to take a walk in the vineyard and in the landscaped park of the nearby Château des Vaults. You will then proceed to a tasting of wines produced near Angers.
The Caves of the Loire Valley
The Caves de la Loire open their doors to you in Brissac-Quincé. Founded in 1951, this institution is renowned in particular for its production from vine to glass. Currently, the Caves have 110 winegrowers members.
During your visit to this cellar near Angers, you will be able to both discover the place and savour delicious dishes to determine the harmony between wine and food. On the spot, you will be entitled to an oenological initiation followed by a wine tasting near Angers and a winegrower's snack (charcuterie, cheese, salting...).
The Domaine Des Deux Arcs
You will find the Domaine Des Deux Arcs in Martigné-Briand. Situated 30 km from Angers, this 53-hectare vineyard cultivates different types of vines such as Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Chenin. The particular terroir of the estate allows to obtain wines of character typical of Anjou.
During your visit to this winery near Angers, you will live a unique experience as you ride through the vineyard in a horse-drawn carriage. The estate also offers you a group tasting of characteristic wines from Angers.
Angers is one of the essential stages of the Loire wine route.
Among the main towns near Angers are Saumur, Bouchemaine, Ecouflant and Briollay.
Some of these winemakers wines are available Buy wine online