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Val de Loire · Orléanais · Red, white and rosé

Orléans — terroir, soils & grape varieties

A historic vineyard that once supplied the royal court, the Orléans area grows distinctive grape varieties: pinot meunier ("gris meunier") in red, chardonnay ("auvernat blanc") in white. A rare appellation, on the alluvial soils of the Loire.

The Vineyard of the Joan of Arc City

Around Orléans, across thirteen communes on both banks of the Loire, a vineyard steeped in history endures, one that long supplied the royal court and the capital. Granted AOC status in 2006, the Orléans appellation produces red, white and rosé from grape varieties with colourful local names — the "gris meunier", the "auvernat".

Terroir and Style

The vines grow on the alluvial soils of the Loire — sandy silt with siliceous pebbles — and on the limestone band of the Beauce. In red, the blend of pinot meunier and pinot noir gives light, fruity wines; in white, chardonnay signs lively wines. Naturally low yields make for a scarce, sought-after production.

The grape varieties of Orléans

Pinot meunier →red — the "gris meunier", the local star variety (70–90%)
Chardonnay →white — the "auvernat blanc" (≥ 60%)
Pinot noir & pinot gris →blending varieties
Buy a Orléans →
Sources: Wikipédia — Orléans (AOC)