The best wines from Touraine in France

The old French wine region Touraine is located almost in the middle of the Loire Valley, near the city of Tours. Good red wines are made from Cabernet Franc, beautiful dry white from Sauvignon Blanc and dry, sparkling and beautiful sweet white wines from Chenin Blanc.

On the northern bank of the Loire in Touraine lie the appellations Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas. Just like in Chinon, which is just on the other side of the river, the red Cabernet Franc dominates here. Deep red wines are made from it with fresh raspberries, berries and sometimes a bit of green pepper in the aroma. They are real 'terroir wines' with a lot of structure and soft tannins. The best can be kept for years.

Further away, in the appellation Vouvray, only white wines are made, from Chenin Blanc. The chalk soils under the vineyards lend themselves to dry, somewhat softer and also fresh sparkling wines. And, last but not least, to sweet Chenin Blanc.

In the other appellations of Touraine, white, red and rosé wines are made. Since the Second World War, Sauvignon Blanc has been increasingly planted. It does very well here and is riding on the popularity of Sauvignon from neighbouring Sancerre.

Touraine is also home to a forgotten grape: In Cour Cheverny, winegrowers have been making white wines from the Romorantin grape since time immemorial. They are citrus-fresh and can certainly be worth it.