Coteaux d’Ancenis

Appellation Coteaux d’Ancenis

This small region centered on the historic town Ancenis primarily produces refreshing rosé and light-bodied red wines. The region embraces this historic name Malvoisie for the aromatic white wines it produces from Pinot Gris grapes.

Vineyard

Location: The Coteaux d’Ancenis is located on both sides of the Loire east of Nantes, covering a dozen communes in the Loire-Atlantique and Maine et Loire departments.

Surface Area: 200 hectares / 494 acres

Soil: Like much of the Nantes region, the soil is predominately mica schist and greenstone.

Climate: A temperate, maritime climate, Coteaux d’Ancenis gets significantly less rainfall than most of the vineyards in Nantes. 

Wine

Annual Production: 10,000 hl / 264,172 gallons

Yield: 

60 hl/ha red

50 hl/ha white

50 hl/ha rosé

Grape Varieties: 

Red and Rosé: Gamay

White: Pinot Gris (aka Malvoisie)

Growing/Production Practices: Approximate density 7,000 vines/hectare with single Guyot pruning.

Tasting Notes

White

Appearance: Pale straw yellow 

Nose: Refreshing ripe fruit notes

Flavors: Medium-bodied with soft fruit and floral flavors; some whites are made in a medium-sweet style

Red

Appearance: Pale ruby red 

Nose: Notes of cherry and red berries

Flavors: Light to medium bodied with brambly fruit and cherry flavors and moderate tannins. 

Rosé

Appearance: Pale pink

Nose: Strawberry, red berry notes

Flavors: Fresh and fruity with lively acidity. 

Food Pairings

Medium-sweet whites are excellent partners for fried hors d’oeuvres as well as fruity desserts.

Pair red and rosé Coteaux d’Ancensis with turkey burgers, seared duck breast with blood orange and star anise or chilled red pepper soup.