Saumur and its wines

Saumur is a prestigious wine district in the heart of Loire Valley, in France, famous for producing traditional method sparkling wines, elegant reds and mineral whites.
The town of Saumur and its surroundings stretch along the the left bank of the Loire, over tuffeau limestone soils, a porous rock that helps to give the wines finesse, freshness and ageing capacity.

The area enjoys a a temperate oceanic climate, with continental influences, perfect for growing Chenin Blanc e Cabernet Franc, the two signature grape varieties of the area.

What is the Saumur wine district?

Saumur includes several controlled appellations of origin (AOC), each with its own speciality:

• Saumur AOC → For white and rosé traditional method sparkling wines.

• Saumur Brut AOC → Very high quality dry sparkling wines.

• Saumur Blanc AOC → Still white wines from Chenin Blanc, fresh and mineral.

• Saumur Rouge AOC → Red wines from Cabernet Franc, fragrant and elegant.

• Saumur-Champigny AOC → The area best suited to Cabernet Franc reds, fine-boned and lively.

• Coteaux de Saumur AOC → Sweet white wines from a late harvest.

• Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame AOC → A full-bodied, more structured red from Cabernet Franc.

Characteristics of Saumur Wines

Colour

• Sparkling wines: Bright straw yellow, with a fine, persistent perlage.

• Whites: Pale yellow with greenish highlights in the young wines.

• Reds: Clear, lively ruby red.

Aromas

• Fruity: Green apple, pear, citrus and peach in the whites; cherry, redcurrant and raspberry in the reds.

• Floral: White flowers in the whites; violet in the reds.

• Mineral and Spicy: Flint and chalk in the whites; white pepper and aromatic herbs in the reds.

Palate

• Fresh and Taut: In the whites and sparkling wines from Chenin Blanc.

• Fine and Fruity: In the reds from Cabernet Franc, with soft tannins and lively acidity.

• Elegant and Persistent: In the sweet wines and the finer sparkling wines.

Typical Grape Varieties of Saumur

White Grape Varieties

• Chenin Blanc: Fresh, mineral, excellent for dry and sweet wines alike, and for sparkling wines.

• Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc: Present in small quantities for sparkling wine blends.

Black Grape Varieties

• Cabernet Franc: Dominant for the reds, perfumed, fresh and elegant.

• Cabernet Sauvignon, Pineau d'Aunis: Occasionally used in blends.

Why Choose a Wine from Saumur?

A wine from Saumur is perfect for those looking for elegance, freshness and authenticity. The traditional method sparkling wines compete with the best Crémant of France, the the reds of Saumur-Champigny are ideal for anyone who loves fine, drinkable wines, while the mineral whites from Chenin Blanc go beautifully with fish, shellfish, white meat and goat's cheeses such as Crottin de Chavignol.