Touraine, the world capital of Sauvignon in 2020

AOC Touraine, established in 1939, is one of the largest appellations in the Loire Valley. Stretching between Chambord and Azay-le-Rideau, via Chenonceaux and Chaumont-sur-Loire, the vineyards of AOC Touraine gradually unfurl along the tranquil banks of the Loire and its tributaries. The region will provide the stage for the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon from 5 to 7 March 2020.

Set in the heart of the Garden of France, 5,000 hectares of vines stretch as far as the eye can see, sometimes overlooking the Loire, in other places lining the banks of the Cher. AOC Touraine, whose production specifications were updated in 2011, embraces five geographical designations, each of which enhances the character of the wines and underscores the defining features of the different vineyard sites.

Since its advent, AOC Touraine has produced wines in four styles: aromatic, floral white wines; soft, fruity reds; light, delicate rosés; and uplifting white and rosé quality sparkling wines.

All of these wines are distinctively gratifying and one of their hallmark features is that they run the gamut in terms of style. They mirror the personalities of the 650 winegrowers who craft them, all of them men and women who go about their job with passion and sincerity. Overseas consumers enthuse over AOC Touraine wines which are constantly gaining traction in international markets.

The Concours Mondial du Sauvignon offers a unique opportunity for the producers of Touraine to introduce their wines to the 70 or so judges. The competition is open indiscriminately to all wines, including special wines and mistelles, made from a majority proportion of Sauvignon.