What I Learned

The Appellation Touraine Amboise Controlee, is a small appellation, in plots spread out over nine municipalities in and around the old town of Amboise. It covers about 200 hectares/500 acres, off both the left and the right banks of the Loire River.

Unlike the nearby AOC Vouvray, this appellation produces white, rose and red wines. Only 10 percent of the wine production here is white wine. The white wines, like those of Vouvray, are made from the Chenin Blanc grapes. These still wines come in dry or semi-dry styles.

The red wines, for which this appellation is best known, can come from Gamay grapes, or Cabernet Franc grapes. Additionally, and somewhat unusual for this region, there is the varietal known here as Cot, and as Malbec elsewhere. Vintners from Amboise produce a unique red wine blend from the appellation’s red grapes, labelled as “Cuvee Francois I.” Approximately 50 percent of the wine produced in this appellation is red wine.

Finally, the rose wines can be made from the same red varietals. In this region, the vinified Rose product is designed to be served cool. It is light and refreshing. Roses constitute approximately 40 percent of the wine produced in this appellation.

 

What I Tasted

2014 Rose, Les Menigottes, Sec, Appellation Touraine Amboise Controlee, Plou et Fils: A dry rose wine with dark salmon color; fruity nose and berry fruit and slight smoky flavors.

2014 Chenin Blanc, Les Menates, Appellation Touraine Amboise Controlee, Domaine Dutertre: A dry white wine with a darker medium gold color; a mineral and fruity nose, flavors of peach, vanilla and honey; medium-low acidity and smooth overall.

2013 Cot, M’ de la Touche, Appellation Touraine Amboise Controlee, Xavier Frissant Vigneron: A dry red wine with dark cranberry color; a cherry and bubblegum nose, with cherry, and slight smoke flavors; medium high tannins.

2013 Rose (Gamay), Sec, Appellation Touraine Amboise Controlee, Cellier Leonard de Vinci: A dry rose wine with medium salmon color; nose slightly metallic, very slight floral and herbaceous flavors, little to no acidity, with a smooth finish. Very refreshing.

2013 Chenin Blanc, Les Hauts D’Artigny, Sec, Appellation Touraine Amboise Controlee, Plou et Fils: A dry white wine with light gold color; a tart wine, with green apple and slight floral notes; medium high acidity.

2012 Chenin Blanc, Le Paradis, Demi-Sec, Appellation Touraine Amboise Controlee, Plou et Fils: An off-dry white wine with light gold color; (See cellar, drink, then add flavor notes); a smooth, satiny mouthfeel, well-balanced overall.