Coteaux du Giennois

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The zone stretches for approximately 45 km from north to south, from Gien to Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire, over a band of hillsides facing south-west along the Loire.
• The soils have developed on Upper Jurassic limestone bedrock, Kimmeridgian and Portlandian, or on chalky formations from the Cenomanian and Turonian, or on lacustrine limestones from the Eocene.
• At Briare, near the hamlet of La Thiau, the plots are planted above a layer of chalk dating from the Cenomanian, in the middle of the Cretaceous. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
• At Myennes, the vines lie on a remnant of Poudingue de Gien, equivalent to the Poudingue de Nemours, dating from the Ypresian, a fluvial formation made up of rolled flint pebbles, sands and clays deposited by the paleo-Loire. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
• The low rainfall of around 650 millimetres per year results from a foehn effect caused by the proximity of the Sancerrois hills, which rise to 434 metres.
• The vines are located at an altitude ranging from 180 to 250 metres and are sheltered from moisture-laden westerly winds.
• The Loire plays a thermoregulating role, as do the valleys that drain cold air off the hillsides, in a degraded oceanic climate at the crossroads of oceanic and continental influences.

• The white wines are dry and express minerality and freshness, mostly with aromas of quince and white flowers.
• The rosé wines are fine and delicate, often with slightly peppery notes on the attack followed by aromas of ripe fruit and vine peach on the finish.
• The red wines combine finesse and fruitiness, often offering mingled aromas of small red and black fruits with spicy notes.

• The distinctive climate, linked to the Loire's draining influence and the foehn effect caused by the Sancerrois hills, contributes, among other favourable factors, to the early development of the vines and to a high level of ripeness at harvest.
• The blend of Gamay and Pinot noir, planted at high density on hillsides facing mostly south, shows its full potential and allows for the production of an original, fruity and lively red wine.

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 2 septembre 2026, JORF 6 septembre 2026
• Official INAO text (show_texte)
• INAO product entry
• Official trade body site — BIVC — Vins du Centre-Loire