Chinon promotes its designated vineyard sites

a Croix-Boissée, la Pointevinière, les Picasses, les Boulaies, les Puys, Vindoux, les Battereaux… Located in Cravant-les-Coteaux, Panzoult, Beaumont-en-Véron and Ligré, these designated vineyard sites have been “recognised” by the Chinon wine producers’ organisation for their outstanding features. “Seven designated sites are flagged up in the vineyards and five are featured in monographs written by specialists and published by the producers’ organisation. For the two others, the brochures are in the process of being written”, explains Mathieu Baudry who is in charge of the designated vineyard sites at the organisation. For the first time, wines from these sites will be presented to foreign journalists invited by InterLoire to the annual event Val de Loire Millésime.

The desire to promote the sites took root ten years ago. The chairman of the Chinon producers’ organisation, Jean-Martin Dutour, points out though that whilst the sites add value to the wines, “this is in no way about creating a hierarchy. Wines that do not come from recognised vineyard sites are also quality Chinon wines”. The named Chinon vineyards do not comply with specific production rules, a decision that was made from the outset by the organisation’s management which has always rejected the term ‘Cru’.

Winegrowers can apply to the organisation for a named vineyard site to be recognised if at least two of them do so. In addition to geological, geographical, landscape, historic and sociological characteristics of the site, its reputation and existing marketing status are also examined by the organisation’s dedicated working group. “Winegrowers are now embracing the designated vineyard site initiative and applications are increasing”, comments Baudry.