AOC Touraine Sauvignon

A Touraine Sauvignon is a dry white wine from the Touraine AOC whose label names the grape. The appellation name stays “Touraine”; “Sauvignon” is added as the grape variety. Producers choose whether to show it, but the mention binds them: when Sauvignon is the only grape named, it makes up at least 85% of the wine.

Sauvignon de Touraine, a Name Restaurants Made Familiar

After phylloxera, Touraine replanted its vineyards with grafted vines, including Gamay and Sauvignon. Later, growers grouped into five cooperative wineries built up both wines and made them known to restaurants under simple names: “Sauvignon de Touraine” and “Gamay de Touraine.”

The vineyard then covered some 8,000 hectares (about 19,800 acres). It averaged about 4,100 hectares (some 10,100 acres) in production over 2019-2023, for some 200,000 hectoliters (about 5.3 million US gallons) a year.

In the vineyard, Sauvignon can share white-wine plots with Sauvignon Gris, capped at 20% of the plantings, and with a few varieties planted to adapt to a changing climate, kept below 5%.

Sauvignon in the Cher Valley and the Sologne Viticole

Most of the Touraine vineyard lies southeast of Tours, on the slopes above the Cher River and on the plateau between the Cher and the Loire. This eastern side of the appellation is where Sauvignon was favored.

In the mid-1980s, growers refined their choices. In the Cher Valley, they planted Sauvignon on the first slopes; in the Sologne viticole, the wine-growing edge of the Sologne region, they kept it for sandy soils.

Serve this crisp, dry white well chilled with moules marinières or river fish in beurre blanc: its citrus notes suit both dishes well.

Oisly, a Sauvignon-Only Name Within Touraine

In the heart of the Sologne viticole, Oisly, named after a village in Loir-et-Cher, is an additional geographic name within the Touraine AOC. It covers only still, dry whites made from Sauvignon alone. On the label, Oisly appears below the appellation name, in letters no larger than those of “Touraine.”

Vines grow on sands and gravels, or on the so-called Sologne formations of sand, clay and falun, a shell-rich sediment. The sandy topsoil drains and warms quickly, while the shallow clay holds water and slows ripening. This area also has the most marked dry spell in Touraine.

Its wines show clear freshness and delicate citrus and white-flower aromas. The appellation requires aging until at least April 30 after the harvest, with release to consumers from May 1.

Yields are capped at 60 hectoliters per hectare (about 640 US gallons per acre), against 65 for Touraine white, and oak chips are banned.

Touraine Sauvignon at a Glance

How important is Sauvignon in the Touraine AOC?

Sauvignon is the main grape of the Touraine AOC’s still whites, and those whites make up most of its output. In 2009, Sauvignon wines accounted for two-thirds of production; over 2019-2023, white wine averaged 64% of the appellation’s volume.

What does Touraine Sauvignon taste like?

Touraine Sauvignon often shows a pale gold color with aromas of citrus, tropical fruit or white flowers. Notes of broom or honeysuckle can also appear. The palate is lively and the finish stays fresh.

Can a Touraine Sauvignon name a second grape?

A Touraine Sauvignon label can name a second grape alongside Sauvignon, as long as that grape is allowed in the appellation. The two grapes must then make up the entire wine and be listed in descending order of proportion, in letters of the same size.

Where can you buy Touraine Sauvignon direct from the winemaker?

You can buy Touraine Sauvignon direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. The producer packs and ships your order directly.

See also: AOC Touraine-Chenonceaux - AOC Pouilly-Fumé - AOC Sancerre