Cheverny

France · AOC · Loire Valley

Styles

Natural factors

Gently undulating plateau, with vineyards in isolated pockets near the Loire or in clearings within forested massifs
To the north-east: vineyards on a 'balcony' setting, on the free-draining soils of the high Loire terraces
To the south-west: sandy to clay-sandy Sologne soils over a clay subsoil horizon, and brown calcareous soils derived from the Calcaire de Beauce
Degraded oceanic climate, drier (25–50 mm/year less rainfall) and cooler (−0.5 to −1 °C) than the rest of the region
Climate locally influenced by the forested massifs and the valleys of the Beuvron, the Cosson, and their tributaries

Human factors

Nine grape varieties make up Cheverny; wines traditionally built on blends, a distinctive feature among the AOC appellations of the Val de Loire
The area has maintained a tradition of quality, referred to as 'vins de Sologne' until the early twentieth century, in contrast to the neighbouring viticultural Beauce

Product characteristics

Whites: citrus fruit, exotic fruit, white flowers, a hint of boxwood; lively acidity balanced by a pleasing roundness
Young reds: red and black fruits, a spicy touch; the more structured examples develop game and venison aromas with cellaring

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.