Anjou Villages

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The geographical zone rests essentially on the Precambrian and Palaeozoic basement linked to the Armorican Massif, locally overlain by gravelly or Cenomanian formations such as the oyster-marl beds.
• The selected plots feature brown soils developed over schists, clay-gravelly brown soils, or, very locally, shallow brown soils developed over oyster marls, all with low water-holding capacity.
• In the western part of the zone, veins derived from acid eruptive formations (rhyolites) or basic eruptive formations (spilites) outcrop in places, giving rise to very stony soils.
• The north-west/south-east-oriented relief shields the vineyards from moisture-laden westerly winds, creating a foehn effect that shelters them from oceanic humidity thanks to the higher ground of the Choletais and the Mauges.
• Annual rainfall here is around 585 millimetres, compared with nearly 800 millimetres in the Choletais.
• The region lies between the Armorican Massif to the west and the Paris Basin to the east, which makes its landscapes all the more varied. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)

• The controlled designation of origin Anjou Villages was recognised on 14 November 1991, reflecting the producers' determination to give fuller expression to the distinctive character of their red wines.
• The production of red wines grew from the 1960s onwards, drawing on experience gained in matching grape variety to planting site and in mastering vinification techniques, after an earlier phase dominated by light red wines ('rouget') and rosés.

• The appearance is typically a deep, intense ruby, while the nose evokes delicate notes of red fruits and flowers such as iris and violet.
• The palate is full and fleshy, with tannins that are very much present yet well-integrated and a persistent finish, making this a generous wine that rewards a few years of cellaring before drinking.

• The combination of precisely delimited shallow soils and a topography that ensures good sun exposure and a steady water supply allows Cabernet franc and Cabernet Sauvignon to express their full richness and distinctive character.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in France

Sources

• Product specification (BO Agri, PDF) — approved 5 décembre 2025, JORF 18 décembre 2025
• Official INAO text (show_texte)
• INAO product entry
• Official trade body site — InterLoire