Definition: Jasnières AOC

The vineyard
Location: The geographical area of the Coteaux du Loir covers 16 communes in the Sarthe department and 6 in Indre-et-Loire. The Jasnières appellation is part of this area, but exclusively in the communes of Lhomme and Ruillé-sur-Loir.
Area: 61 hectares
History
Developed by Cistercian monks in the Middle Ages, celebrated by Henry IV and meticulously mapped under Louis XIV, the vineyard has enjoyed a renaissance in quality coupled with a profound resurgence of public interest since the 1970s.
Soils: Turonian chalk (tuffeau), decomposed into flinty clay on the steep slopes.
Climate: These appellations are the northernmost in the Loire Valley. Protected by the Bercé forest to the north and benefiting from adjacent valleys and south-facing slopes, they enjoy a temperate Touraine climate, with numerous microclimates.
The wine
Annual production: 2,200 hl (exclusively white)
Basic yield: 52 hl/ha
Grape varieties: Chenin Blanc (Pineau de la Loire)
Main cultivation practices: Minimum density 5,500 vines/ha. Strictly regulated short pruning.
Tasting
Sensory characteristics: crystal clear golden yellow colour. Floral and fruity aromas (often with a mineral note) that subtly evolve towards dried fruit and honey. In great vintages, sweet wines are produced that are very similar to their counterparts from the Loire Valley.
Serving temperature: 12°C
Ageing potential: their ageing potential generally exceeds 15 years.