AOP Montlouis-sur-Loire

AOP Montlouis sur Loire in a nutshell

Located on the left bank of the Loire, opposite Vouvray, the AOP Montlouis is an emblematic wine appellation of the Loire Valley. This terroir, exclusively dedicated to Chenin Blanc, offers wines of great purity, combining freshness, complexity and long ageing potential. For several decades, many committed winemakers have made the AOP Montlouis a model of excellence in organic and biodynamic viticulture.

The winegrowing history of Montlouis-sur-Loire goes back many centuries. As early as the Middle Ages, monks cultivated vines on these north-facing slopes of the Loire, quickly recognizing the exceptional potential of this terroir. It was in 1938 that the appellation Montlouis-sur-Loire was officially recognized as an AOC, highlighting the unique expression of Chenin Blanc on these Loire lands.

The AOP Montlouis rests on a predominantly clay-silica soil and tuffeau, a limestone rock characteristic of the region that imparts a marked minerality to the wines. The proximity of the Loire River also plays a key role, regulating the climate and providing favorable humidity for the development of botrytis cinerea, essential for the production of great sweet wines. The Loire Valley's temperate climate, with sunny summers and mild winters, allows Chenin Blanc to mature slowly and progressively. This evolution favors a beautiful natural acidity and great aromatic complexity in the wines.

Since the 2000s, AOP Montlouis has become a model for organic and biodynamic viticulture. Many winemakers have gradually abandoned chemical treatments in favor of practices that are more respectful of the environment and terroir. Today, a growing proportion of producers in the Montlouis PDO boast organic or biodynamic farming certification, guaranteeing authentic, lively wines that are true to their terroir.

The dry wines of AOP Montlouis are renowned for their freshness, liveliness and aromatic finesse. Produced by vinification in stainless steel vats or oak barrels, they develop notes of citrus, green apple, pear and white flowers, with a beautiful minerality contributed by the limestone soils. On the palate, these wines display remarkable tension, balanced by lively acidity and a silky texture. They can be enjoyed young for their aromatic sparkle, or after a few years of cellaring to reveal more complex nuances of honey and dried fruit.

The Montlouis demi-sec represents an ideal compromise between freshness and indulgence. With a slight residual sweetness, these wines offer a fuller aromatic palette, blending yellow fruit, quince, apricot and a floral touch. This type of wine goes perfectly with dishes such as pan-fried foie gras, roast poultry or mature goat's cheeses.

Thanks to the development of noble rot (botrytis cinerea) or passerillage, the AOP Montlouis produces exceptional sweet and syrupy wines. These cuvées, rich in sugar but always balanced by natural acidity, reveal intense aromas of honey, candied apricot, bitter orange and sweet spices. The sweet wines of Montlouis are often compared to the world's greatest liquoreux for their exceptional ageing capacity, evolving over several decades.

Pétillant Montlouis-sur-Loire is an elegant alternative to the region's great sparkling wines, made using the traditional method. These wines offer beautiful freshness, fine bubbles and a delicate aromatic expression dominated by white fruits, flowers and a touch of brioche. These effervescents are perfect as aperitifs or to accompany seafood and light desserts.

Drink wines from domaine de la Taille aux Loups, Rocher des Violettes or those from domaine François Chidaine!