Eleanor Finch
Anjou wine is produced in the heart of France's Loire Valley, a region with a rich winemaking heritage. The area is known for its diverse range of wine styles, including red, rosé, white, and sparkling wines. The dominant grape variety in Anjou is Chenin Blanc, which accounts for more than 50% of total production. However, the region also cultivates other significant grape varieties, such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grolleau Noir, Pineau d'Aunis, and Gamay. While the Anjou appellation itself may not be widely known, certain subregional appellations within Anjou, such as Savennières, are highly regarded for their wines. The region is particularly renowned for its sweet Chenin Blanc wines, which are considered among the most decadent sweet wines in France.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grape Variety | Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grolleau Noir, Pineau d’Aunis, Gamay |
| Wine Styles | Red, Rosé, White, Sparkling |
| Sweetness Levels | Dry, Medium Sweet, Sweet |
| Alcohol Content | 12-14% |
| Fermentation | Low-temperature fermentation, partial malolactic fermentation |
| Aging | Minimum of 9 months |
| Annual Production | 70,400 hectoliters |
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What You'll Learn
Chenin Blanc is the dominant grape variety
The Chenin Blanc grape thrives in the unique terroir of Anjou, which is located in the western Loire Valley of France. The region's temperate climate and soil composition, which includes both "black" Anjou with its schist and slate soils and "white" Anjou with its chalky soils, contribute to the distinct characteristics of the Chenin Blanc wines produced here.
The Chenin Blanc wines of Anjou exhibit a range of aromas and flavours, from floral and honeyed notes to hints of tropical fruit and green fruits. The sweetness levels of these wines can vary, with some being dry while others are medium-sweet or fully sweet. The production of sweet Chenin Blanc wines in Anjou is highly dependent on favourable climate conditions, with noble rot playing a crucial role in the development of these sweet wines.
The Chenin Blanc grape is also blended with other grape varieties in Anjou to create unique wines. For example, in the production of Anjou Blanc, Chenin Blanc is often combined with up to 20% Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, resulting in wines with bright, lemony aromas and fruity notes.
In addition to its prominence in still wine production, Chenin Blanc is also a key variety in the production of sparkling wines in Anjou. The region's Sparkling Anjou Mousseux, for instance, is based on the same array of varieties as the still wines, including Chenin Blanc, and is produced in both white and rosé styles.
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Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are also significant
The Anjou wine region in France's Loire Valley boasts a wide range of grape varieties and wine styles. The dominant grape variety in the region is Chenin Blanc, which accounts for more than 50% of total production. However, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are also significant grape varieties cultivated in the Anjou region.
Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are important red grape varieties in Anjou, contributing to the region's diverse wine production. Cabernet Franc is used mostly for rosé and still red wines, while Cabernet Sauvignon adds depth to the region's red wines. Together, they form the basis of the Cabernet d'Anjou, a distinctive rosé wine. This style of rosé, made entirely from Cabernet grapes, was first crafted in 1905. Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon lend these rosés a drier character with higher alcohol content than their Grolleau-based counterparts, Rosé d'Anjou.
The Cabernet d'Anjou rosé showcases the unique qualities of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. While it may have lower production volumes than the Rosé d'Anjou, it stands out for its quality. The Cabernet grapes impart a drier profile, with higher alcohol levels, to this style of rosé. The Cabernet d'Anjou also ages beautifully, developing complexity and finesse over time.
In addition to their role in rosé wines, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon contribute to the complexity of Anjou's red wines. The red wines of Anjou exhibit a ruby red colour and strong scents of red fruits, with subtle hints of violet flowers. The freshness and excellent tannins in these wines can be attributed, in part, to the presence of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. These grape varieties enhance the structure and flavour profile of Anjou's red wines, making them distinct from other regional varietals.
While Chenin Blanc may dominate the white wine production in Anjou, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon still play a supporting role. In some cases, small amounts of these red grape varieties are blended with Chenin Blanc to create unique white wines. This blending practice adds complexity and depth of flavour to the white wines of Anjou, showcasing the versatility of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Anjou produces reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines
Anjou wines were first served in the royal court of England in the mid-12th century and have been served for centuries since. The region's wines flourished and peaked in the 16th century, though most remained within the French market. The wines of Anjou are mostly reds and rosés (about 65%), with the remainder being white wines (18%) and sparkling wines (16%).
The dominant grape variety in the region is Chenin Blanc, which accounts for more than 50% of total production. Other significant grape varieties cultivated in the Anjou region include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grolleau Noir, Pineau d’Aunis, and Gamay. The region currently produces around 70,400 hectolitres of wine annually, including 47,300 hectolitres of red wine, 19,000 hectolitres of white wine, and 4,100 hectolitres of sparkling wine.
The wines of the Anjou region are produced in a wide range of styles and colours, from dry to sweet, still to sparkling, and red to white. The basic still wines of Anjou Blanc are made similarly to still white wine production elsewhere. The white wines are golden in colour and can range from light to dark. They are smooth and silky, with notes of honey, flowers, and apricot. The reds are ruby red with strong scents of red fruits and traces of violet flowers. They are distinguished by their freshness and excellent tannins.
The region is most renowned for its sweet Chenin Blanc wines, which are widely regarded as the most decadent sweet wines in France. The best of these come from the Coteaux du Layon zone, particularly from its tiny sub-regions Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux. They are characterised by a honeyed, floral nose with hints of tropical fruit. Among the district's less well-known sweet wines are those from the zone immediately west of Angers, which are labelled as Anjou-Côteaux de la Loire.
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Sweet white wines are produced under their own sub-appellation
The Anjou wine region in France's Loire Valley has a rich history of winemaking, with wines from the region served at the royal court of England as early as the 12th century. The region is known for its diverse range of wine styles and grape varieties. While the generic Anjou appellation covers red, white, and sparkling wines, it is important to note that the majority of wine production in Anjou revolves around sweet white wines produced under their own sub-appellations. These sweet white wines have gained recognition within the region and beyond.
The tributaries of the Loire, particularly the Layon and Aubance, play a significant role in the area's wine production. The right banks of these tributaries are home to vineyards sheltered from the wind by nearby hillsides. When the climate is favourable, these tributaries can promote the development of noble rot, which is essential for the region's sweet wine production. This includes sub-appellations such as Coteaux du Layon, Bonnezeaux, Quarts de Chaume, and Coteaux de l'Aubance AOCs. These sweet wines are often characterised by a honeyed, floral nose with hints of tropical fruit, offering a unique sensory experience.
Chenin Blanc is the dominant grape variety in the Anjou region, accounting for more than half of the total production. It is used to produce both dry and sweet white wines, with the sweet Chenin Blanc wines being a specialty of the region. These sweet wines are highly regarded and considered among the most decadent and sumptuous sweet wines in France. The Coteaux du Layon zone, particularly its tiny sub-regions like Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux, are renowned for producing the best sweet Chenin Blanc wines.
While Chenin Blanc takes centre stage in sweet wine production, other grape varieties also contribute to the overall profile. Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are significant in the region and are used in the production of rosé wines. Additionally, grapes like Grolleau Noir, Pineau d'Aunis, and Gamay add to the diversity of wine styles within the region. The combination of these grape varieties and the unique terroir of Anjou results in the exceptional sweet white wines that have gained recognition under their own sub-appellations.
The Anjou region's sweet white wines have a distinct character and are sought-after by wine enthusiasts. The combination of favourable geography, climate, and skilled winemaking techniques has allowed the region to establish itself as a premier producer of sweet white wines. The sub-appellations within Anjou provide a framework for maintaining and promoting the high quality and unique characteristics of these wines, ensuring their place in the world of enology.
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Anjou wines are classed alongside Saumur wines as Anjou-Saumur
Anjou wines are frequently classed alongside Saumur wines as "Anjou-Saumur". The Anjou wine region is located in the heart of France's Loire Valley, which has a long and rich winemaking heritage. The region produces a wide range of red, rose, and white wines, with the dominant grape variety being Chenin Blanc, which accounts for more than 50% of total production. Other significant grape varieties cultivated in the region include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grolleau Noir, Pineau d'Aunis, and Gamay.
The Anjou-Saumur wine appellation is made up of a collection of diverse climates, soils, and geographical features, all of which contribute to the high-quality diverse wines the region produces. The wide range of soils includes granite, greenstone, sandstone, carboniferous schists, and volcanic rocks. The climate in Anjou-Saumur is milder, with more moderate temperature shifts compared to the purely continental regions inland. This corner of France is where the famous expanse of limestone running from the Cliffs of Dover through Champagne and Chablis comes to an end, and metamorphic soils, especially schist, start to appear.
The most famous appellations in Anjou-Saumur work with Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc grapes, and all its most famous wines are made with one or the other. However, there are other grapes grown within the region, and wine enthusiasts can also find delicious wines made with a whole range of grapes found across the Loire Valley. These include Gamay, Pineau d’Aunis, Grolleau, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Anjou-Saumur wines are known for their straightforward deliciousness and don't require much fuss to enjoy. They are aromatic, pretty wines with incredible freshness from their delicate structures.
The region is most renowned for its sweet Chenin Blanc wines, which are widely regarded as the most decadent sweet wines in France. Sweet Chenin Blanc wines are something of a specialty in Anjou, with the best ones coming from the Côteaux du Layon zone, particularly the tiny sub-regions of Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux. These wines are characterized by a honeyed, floral nose with hints of tropical fruit. The basic still wines of Anjou blanc are made similarly to still white wine production elsewhere, though they do have a historical association with the region.
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Frequently asked questions
Chenin Blanc is the leading grape variety in the Anjou region, accounting for more than 50% of total production.
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grolleau Noir, Pineau d’Aunis, and Gamay.
The region produces a wide range of red, rosé, and white wines. The majority of wine production in the region revolves around sweet white wines.
Some examples of well-known wines from Anjou include Coteaux du Layon, Bonnezeaux, Quarts de Chaume, and Coteaux de l'Aubance.
