Anjou AOC

The regional appellation in the western section of the Loire wine-growing region, or on the left bank of this river, comprises around 220 communes around the city of Angers. The former VDQS area Vins du Thouarsais was integrated in 2011. Red, rosé, white and sparkling wines are produced here under many AOC designations. The wines were already appreciated in the Middle Ages, but white wines dominated at that time. The vineyards cover around 12,000 hectares. The much smaller appellation of Saumur lies to the east, whose very similar wines can also be marketed as Anjou (but not vice versa).

Rosé d'Anjou and Cabernet d'Anjou

Dry to sweet and young-drinking rosé wines dominate with about half of the production. These are blended under the designation Rosé d'An jou (or Anjou Rosé) from mainly Grolleau Noir (here Groslot) with portions of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pineau d'Aunis, Gamay and Malbec (Cot). Another rosé is produced under the name Cabernet d'Anjou from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Anjou Blanc and Anjou Rouge

Under the AOC designation Anjou, which encompasses the entire appellation, red wines and white wines are produced, as well as rosé wines. The white wines are blended from the varieties Chenin Bl anc (at least 80%), Chardonnay (maximum 20%) and Sauvignon Blanc. The red wines are produced from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d'Aunis.

Anjou Brissac

The commune of Brissac with a further nine surrounding communes was taken out of this in 1986 and the separate designation Anjou-Villages-Brissac was created. In 2021, the name was changed to Anjou Brissac.

Anjou-Coteaux de la Loire

The area to the west of the city of Angers is considered for white wines made from Chenin Blanc.

Anjou Gamay

Another red wine made from Gamay is produced under this appellation.

Anjou Moussex

Sparkling and semi-sparkling wines in white and rosé are produced under the AOC appellations Anjou Mousseux Blanc and Anjou Moussex Rosé . The white wines are blended from Chenin Blanc (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Gamay, Grolleau and Pineau d'Aunis, and the rosé wines from the same varieties except Chenin Blanc.

Anjou Villages

Red wines made from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Producers

Well-known producers throughout the area include Château de Tigné, Château Pierre Bise, Château la Varière, Domaine de Bablut, Domaine des Baumard, Domaine de Gatines, Domaine Les Grandes Vignes - Vaillant, Domaine Ogereau, Domaine Philippe Delesvaux and Domaine Richou. Smaller enclaves in the Anjou area include the Bonnezeaux, Coteaux de l'Aubance, Coteaux du Layon, Quarts de Chaume and Savennières appellations.

Map: By Cyril5555 - own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link