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:

• 220 hectares / 544 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:

• 16,000 hl / 422,675 gallons

Yield:

• 60 hl/ha red
• 65 hl/ha white and rosé

Grape Varieties:

• Red and Rosé: Gamay, Cabernet Franc
• 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.