Savennières Roche aux Moines

AOP/AOC by decree dated 23rd November 2011

Vineyards

Location: Harvesting, vinification, production and aging all take place within the commune of Savennières in the Maine-et-Loire département.

Vineyard area: 20 ha.

History: The Savennières Roche aux Moines appellation dates back to the 12th century, and has been in continuous production since that time; it comprises the former estate of Chevalier Buhard, who gifted it to the  monks of St Nicholas’s Abbey around the year 1130. The monks went on to plant their own vines and the area became known as Roche aux Moines – Monks’ Rock.

Soils and Climate: The appellation zone lies on slopes perpendicular to the Loire with excellent sun exposure, and features villages perched on rocky outcrops overlooking the river. The shallow soil – sandstone schist, volcanic rock (rhyolite) and Aeolian sand – combined with the Loire’s mesoclimatic influence, is perfect for producing very mature dry white wines.The frequent storms occurring in this area are usually on the left bank of the river, passing Savennieres by altogether.

 

Wines

Average annual production over the last 5 years: 300 hl.

Base yield: 30 hl/ha (25 hl/ha for demi-secs and sweet wines, produced only in small quantities).

Varietal: Chenin Blanc.

Growing practices: Minimum planting density: 4,000 vines per hectare

Pruning: Double guyot to 2×3 buds or gobelet to 3×2 buds.

Technical requirements: Manual harvests, generally in successive passes, picking grapes only at full maturity.