Touraine Amboise

This appellation produces mostly red wine from Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Gamay. Whites range from dry and lean to honeyed sweet wines.

 

Vineyard

Location: Located upstream from Tours, this appellation coves six communes on the right bank of the Loire and three on the left bank.

Surface Area:

• 220 hectares / 544 acres

Soil: A combination of flinty clay and clay limestone enables the soil to warm easily and provide excellent water retention at the vine roots.

Climate: Located in the center of the Loire, this appellation experiences both maritime/oceanic and continental climate influences.

 

Wine

Annual Production:

• 9,000 hl / 237,755 gallons, 60% red, 30% rosé, 10% white

Yield:

• 55 hl/ha red and rosé (translate to gallons/acres?)
• 60 hl/ha white

Grape Varieties:

• Red: Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Malbec
• White: Chenin Blanc

Growing/Production Practices: Density 6,600 vines/hectare.

 

Tasting Notes

White

• Appearance: Bright, pale straw yellow
• Nose: Aromas of fresh fruit and honey
• Flavors: Medium-bodied with flavors of quince and honey, especially when off-dry or sweet.

Red

• Appearance: Deep garnet
• Nose: Notes of black berries and plum
• Flavors: Full-bodied with silky tannins and elegant brambly fruit.

Rosé

• Appearance: Pale pink
• Nose: Strawberry, cherry and gooseberry
• Flavors: Fresh and fruity with lively acidity

 

Food Pairings

• White and rosé Touraine Amboise complement a wide variety of dishes, from light pork and chicken to chopped Greek salad.
• Pair red Touraine Amboise, most notably the Cuvée Francois I, with barbeque chicken and pulled pork sandwiches.