Touraine Azay le Rideau

The production area of the Touraine-Azay-le-Rideau appellation stretches between the valleys of the Indre and the Loire rivers, covering around forty hectares. The terroir, consisting of sandy-gravelly hills and plateaus, has been shaped by a unique geographical, geological, and climatic situation. Humans have been able to leverage the specific qualities of the soil and climate to cultivate vineyards successfully.

Terroir and Climate

The vineyards of Azay le Rideau are primarily located on the slopes of the Indre River. The land sits on a limestone base that formed 90 million years ago. This typical Touraine subsoil, called Tuffeau, provides good regulation of water and mineral supply, thus favoring vine balance. It also contributes to the perfect ripening of grapes by optimizing the sun's heat. This heat is stored in the soil during the day and released to the vines at night.
On this base, three main types of soils can be found:
•    "Les perruches": areas where clay and siliceous conglomerates meet.
•    "Les aubuis": warm and permeable clay-limestone soils.
•    "Les sables éoliens": sandy terrain with varying degrees of clay content.

Climate

The Azay le Rideau vineyards are primarily situated on the slopes of the Indre River. The land rests on a limestone base that formed 90 million years ago. This typical Touraine subsoil, called Tuffeau, provides good regulation of water and minerals, thus promoting vine balance. It also contributes to the perfect ripening of grapes by maximizing the sun's heat, which is stored in the soil during the day and released to the vines at night.
On this base, three main types of soils can be found:
•    "Les perruches": areas where clay and siliceous conglomerates meet.
•    "Les aubuis": warm and permeable clay-limestone soils.
•    "Les sables éoliens": sandy terrain with varying degrees of clay content.

History

While the "Touraine-Azay-Le-Rideau" appellation was established in 1953, the history of the vineyard dates back to ancient Gallo-Roman times. Viticulture was first documented in the southeast of Gaul and spread to many regions in France from the 1st century onwards. In the Loire Valley, the oldest traces of this culture can be found in the ridellois region, specifically in Cheillé. It was in this village, at the Grande Marion site, that a structure interpreted as a fruit press was discovered in 1946, providing evidence of viticultural activity as early as the 2nd century.
Over the ages, the ridellois vineyard developed alongside orchards and cereals as part of a mixed farming economy. Viticulture was then artisanal, and the wines produced were dedicated to self-consumption or the local market. Thus, it is not uncommon to find in the countless cellars of the valley, tanks and old presses reflecting these ancient rural and family traditions.
This mixed farming, still present today in several estates, was probably in the past, particularly during the late 19th-century phylloxera crisis, one of the great strengths of the terroir. It likely allowed ridellois producers to survive despite the destruction of their vines.
After this powerful crisis, the Touraine vineyard underwent significant changes. Thanks to a labeling policy, the production of quality wine was encouraged. Small-scale self-consumption viticulture disappeared, and viticultural activity focused on the major AOCs of the region. The ridellois vineyard was then reduced by half, but thanks to the experience of its winemakers, it stabilized and produced increasingly high-quality wines.
Recognition for this work materialized in 1953 when the geographical designation "Touraine Azay-le-Rideau" was created. Initially, it promoted the elegance of white wines made from Chenin, and in 1976, the lightness of rosé wines from Grolleau.
Today, the "Azay-le-Rideau" designation is one of the smallest in Touraine but offers wines recognized in France and abroad for their freshness and intensity.

Food and Wine Pairings

100% Chenin, the range of white wines from Azay-le-Rideau extends from refreshing and mineral wines to sweet and silky wines. Depending on its maturity at harvest, Chenin can offer a wide range of aromatic profiles. Vinified as dry, semi-dry, and sweet wines, Chenin here expresses a variety of floral and fruity aromas accompanied by surprising freshness that characterizes the appellation.

Discover some original recipe ideas with Chenins from Touraine Azay le Rideau: https://vinsazaylerideau.fr/vins

Learn more about Azay le Rideau wines