Appellation: Saumur
In addition to being the center for sparkling wine production in the Loire Valley, Saumur also produces still wines. White Saumur (like the sparkling wines) is primarily Chenin Blanc, sometimes blended with small amounts of Chardonnay . Red Saumur is mainly made from Cabernet Franc, as are the wines of the smaller appellation of Saumur-Champigny. Cabernet de Saumur is a rosé that is generally dryer and lighter than the better known Cabernet d'Anjou. In addition, the tiny appellation of Coteaux de Saumur produces semi-sweet white wines from Chenin Blanc.
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Loire365 Factoid
What's In A Name?
Long before the concept of varietals had been invented (and when the same grape often had many different names), French winegrowers and wine makers had discovered that wines from one village or vineyard were very different from wines from the neighboring village or hillside. This is why French wines (including those of the Loire Valley) are identified by “appellations” or place names rather than by the grapes from which they are made. The words Appellations d’Origine Controlee, or the letters AOC on a label indicate that a wine is made in accordance with strict regulations that allow the producer to use the appellation.
