Touraine Azay-le Rideau

The balance of production in this region is split primarily between lively rosés of Grolleau and bright, Chenin Blanc-based white wines.

 

Vineyard

Location: This appellation stretches over eight communes on the banks of the Indre and the Loire, close to where the rivers meet.

Surface Area:

• Approximately 60 hectares / 148 acres

Soil: Flinty clay, clay limestone and Aeolian sand mixed with clay.

Climate: Mild, which, in some years, favors the production of sweet wines.

 

Wine

Annual Production:

• 1,800 hl / 47,551 gallons, 60% rosé

Yield:

• 55 hl/ha

Grape Varieties:

• White: Chenin Blanc
• Rosé: Produced with minimum 60% Grolleau, alone or blended with Gamay, Malbec, Cabernet Franc

Growing/Production Practices: Density 6,600 vines/hectare with single or fanned Guyot pruning.

 

Tasting Notes

White

• Appearance: Bright, pale straw yellow
• Nose: Pronounced minerality, quince and apricot
• Flavors: Dry and medium-to-full bodied with fruit flavors as on nose

Rosé

• Appearance: Pale salmon pink
• Nose: Notes of rose, lilac, pear, cherry and almond
• Flavors: Fresh and fruity with light body and lively acidity.

 

Food Pairings

• Fried oysters with spicy rémoulade
• Smoked tilapia
• Roasted eggplant with saffron yogurt