Chateaumeillant

While vines have been grown in Châteaumeillant since the 5th century, it was granted its AOC status in 2010. This tiny region specializes in classic Loire vin gris (rosé) and red wines.

 

Vineyard

Location: The most central vineyard in France, Châteaumeillant lies in two departments, Indre and Cher. The production region covers the communes of Châteaumeillant, Reigny, Saint Maur, Vesdun in Cher and Champillet, Feusilles, Nérot, and Urciers in Indre..

Surface Area:

• Red: 70 hectares / 173 acres
• Rosé: 20 hectares / 49 acres

Soil: The subsoil is a metamorphized layer of sandstone, mica schist and gneiss topped by sandy and silty clay silica soils. 

Climate: Due to its location in the foothills of the Massif Central, Châteaumeillant is the coolest vineyard in the Centre-Loire and has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Rainfall averages 800 mm (32 inches) throughout the year.

 

Wine

Annual Production: 

• Red: 3,000 hl / 79,252 gallons
• Rosé: 1,200 hl / 31,701 gallons

Yield:

• 50 hl/ha 

Grape Varieties: 

• Red: Gamay, Pinot Noir
• Rosé: Gamay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris 

Growing/Production Practices: Minimum planting density 5,500 vines/hectare with 8 bud simple Guyot pruning. 

 

Tasting Notes

Rosé

• Appearance: Pale pink (also traditionally called “gris” or grey) 
• Nose: Fresh and fruity with notes of peach and other white fruit
• Flavors: Light-bodied, fresh and lively, with well-balanced fruit flavors. 

Red

• Appearance: Ruby red 
• Nose: Ripe red berries
• Flavors: Light-to-medium-bodied with bright fruit flavors complemented by fine peppery finish. 

 

Food Pairings

• Try red Châteaumeillant with Grilled Jerk Chicken or Salmon Steak with Red Wine Butter
• Pair vin gris with Grillled Shrimp with Chile, Cilantro and lime or Baby Greens with Cheese and Charcuterie