Anjou and its wines

The Anjou region, in the Loire, in north-western France, is one of the country’s most historic and diverse wine areas. Famous for producing white, rosé and red wines, Anjou stretches along the river Loire, benefiting from a temperate climate and soils rich in schist, limestone and slate, which contribute to the minerality and complexity of the wines.

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What is the Anjou Region?

Anjou is one of the key wine regions of the Loire Valley, known for its diversity and wine quality. The area extends around the town of Angers, with vineyards covering gentle hills and fertile plains. The variety of microclimates and soil types allows the production of a wide range of wines, from mineral whites to elegant reds, as well as fresh rosés and sweet wines of extraordinary longevity.

Characteristics of Anjou Wines

1. Freshness and Minerality: The whites are fresh, savoury and aromatic, with marked minerality.
2. Fruitiness and Versatility: The rosés are light, fruity and perfect for everyday drinking.
3. Structure and Longevity: The reds, above all from Cabernet Franc, are elegant, spicy and suited to ageing.

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Places of Interest in the Anjou Region

1. Angers

The historic capital of Anjou, famous for its medieval castle and its wine museums.

2. Coteaux du Layon

An area famous for its sweet wines, with vineyards overlooking the river Layon.

3. Saumur

Known for its cellars carved into the rock and for its traditional method sparkling wines.

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Characteristics of Anjou Wines

Colour

• Whites: Bright straw yellow with golden highlights in the more mature wines.
• Reds: Ruby red with purple nuances in the young wines and garnet in the older ones.
• Rosés: Pale pink with bright highlights.

Aromas

• Fruity: Notes of apple, pear and citrus in the whites; berries, cherry and plum in the reds.
• Floral: Hints of white flowers such as acacia and hawthorn.
• Spicy and Sweet: In the aged wines, with hints of honey, vanilla and almond in the sweet ones.

Palate

• Fresh and Mineral: In the whites, with lively acidity and a long finish.
• Light and Fruity: In the rosés, with pleasing drinkability and softness.
• Structured and Elegant: In the reds, with well-integrated tannins and a long, spicy finish.

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Typical Grape Varieties of Anjou

White Grape Varieties

• Chenin Blanc: Versatile and long-lived, used for dry, sweet and sparkling wines.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Fresh and aromatic, with herbaceous and citrus notes.

Black Grape Varieties

• Cabernet Franc: Elegant and spicy, with soft tannins.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Structured and intense, often used in blends.
• Gamay: Fruity and light, typical of the younger reds.

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Why Choose a Wine from Anjou?

A wine from the The Anjou region  represents the diversity and excellence of the Loire Valley. Perfect with fish dishes, seafood, white meat and goat's cheeses, the wines of Anjou offer a wide variety of styles, suited to every occasion and palate.