Cheverny is an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) wine produced in the Loire vineyards, between the old Touraine region and the Centre Val de Loire. Most of the production comes from vineyards around the commune of Cheverny in the Loir-et-Cher region. There are red, white and rosé wines bearing the Cheverny appellation. These wines are unique in that they are always blends.

The history of the Cheverny vineyard begins in Touraine

The vineyards of the Touraine province have been planted here since the 5th century. Wine-growing developed thanks to abbey and monastic activity around the Loire. The Augustinians and Benedictines in particular worked the vines in the region, a task that underwent impressive growth between the 9th and 12th centuries.

But the rise of Cheverny wines took a new turn during the Renaissance. In fact, the vineyard benefits from a law limiting wine imports to 88 km from the capital for Parisians. As a result, the vineyard grew to meet Parisians’ already substantial demand for wine-based beverages.

The vineyards extend first from Orléans, then towards Blois and Tours, downstream from the Loire. Production at Cheverny grew around the Louis XIII château of the same name, the model for Hergé’s famous Château de Moulinsart. The wine has had AOC status since 1993, and production is divided fairly evenly between red, white and rosé.

A Cheverny vineyard draws its character from the Loire and its sandy soil

Like all AOCs, Cheverny is an appellation linked to a terroir defined by decree. Cheverny is produced in a geographical area of 24 communes, all located in the Loir-et-Cher department (24).

The soils of the 574-hectare terroir are sandy, sandy-clay, sandy-siliceous and clay-limestone. These characteristics, in particular the presence of sand in the soils, lighten the wines. This terroir is therefore strongly marked by erosion due to its proximity to the Loire, as well as terrace deposits. Cheverny’s geographical area is remarkable, and its geology stands in stark contrast to that of other Loire Valley appellations.

The predominantly sandy terroir backs onto the left bank of the Loire and follows the river into the Orléanais region at an average altitude of 120 metres..

The climate is said to be degraded oceanic, with less rainfall than on the Atlantic coast, and subject to the cooler continental climate. The Cheverny vineyard is the ideal destination for weekend getaways and gourmet vacations with family, friends or couples.. In addition to the château built in the 17th century which is one of the only ones still furnished, along with the Château de Valencay, the proximity of Ambroise, Chenonceau and Chambord, the 18-hole golf course and Beauval Zoo are serious assets. Cheverny is the perfect place to discover wine-growing Sologne, a region marked by gastronomy, culture and history. The surrounding natural environment is an invitation to stroll and contemplate between forests and ponds.

Cheverny produces light, fruity wines

Cheverny wines are unique in that they are always made from blends of several grape varieties. Red and rosé wines are made from Gamay and Pinot Noir, while white wines are made from Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Generally speaking, Cheverny produces a range of light, fruity, fresh wines. The color obviously depends on the year and age of the wine. Generally speaking, however, Red Cheverny has a brilliant cherry-red colour.. The rosé stands out for its salmon hue. White wines are often pale yellow with hints of green in their reflections.

The red wine will release olfactory notes of red fruit, and when the blend contains a high proportion of Pinot Noir, the nose will be wilder, more animal and surprisingly spicy. The rosé reveals of strawberries and raspberries and, occasionally, light spicy notes. Finally, on the white side, Sauvignon evokes gooseberry and blackcurrant buds, sometimes with a hint of spice.

On the palate, the tannins of the red Cheverny are not very present as the wine is rather fresh and fruity. fresh and fruity. Note that when Pinot Noir is very present in the composition, the red wine will be more structured., more intense, with a spicy character and occasional hints of licorice. Red wine is a wine for laying down. Rosé is also known for its freshness freshness, lightness and its thirst-quenching qualities, combined with a hint of spice, make it an ideal summer wine.. Finally, in white, aromas of blackcurrant buds and exotic fruit dominate, counterbalanced by the roundness of the chardonnay. Serve between 14°C and 16°C.

White and rosé wines can be kept for 2 to 4 years. Red wine can be kept for 4 to 8 years.

Cheverny goes well with regional delicacies

The appellation Cheverny is renowned for its fruity wines, whose tenderness will brighten up parties and convivial meals.. Cheverny white wines are lively and fine, thanks to their blend of Sauvignon, which brings all its aromatic power to this terroir (notes of citrus fruit and blackcurrant buds), and Sauvignon Blanc, which brings all its aromatic power to this terroir (notes of citrus fruit and blackcurrant buds). Chardonnay softens it with its elegance.

Cheverny appellation red wines offer fruity aromas derived from blends of Pinot noir, fine and subtle, and Gamay for freshness and smoothness. Other grape varieties, such as Cabernet franc and Côt (Malbec) can be added to the blendto bring more structure to Cheverny wines. Rosés, on the other hand, are supple wines whose freshness is counterbalanced by their spicy aspects. Easy-drinking and friendly, they are the perfect accompaniment to summer evenings and dinners. Red Cheverny goes well with pork nuts with prunes, grilled pork chops or roasted white meats such as chicken. White wine goes well with warm goat’s cheese salads and spinach mousses, for example. For main courses, white goes well with fish and white meats, or light, slightly spicy reds. Beef paupiettes with olives, salmon with sorrel or tartiflettes with leeks. A perfect match for cheeses from nearby regions, such as Chabichou du Poitou or Pavé cendré.