At the gates of Tours and just a stone’s throw from Amboise, the Montlouis-sur-Loire vineyard unfolds with its serene undulations and exceptional white wines. This appellation, unjustly overlooked, is a true gem of the Loire Valley.
The Montlouis vineyard stretches along the left bank of the Loire, facing its famous counterpart, Vouvray, on the opposite bank. The Montlouis-sur-Loire appellation is exclusively dedicated to the production of white wines, made 100% from the Chenin Blanc grape, locally known as “Pineau de la Loire.”
Montlouis wines come in several styles, offering a beautiful diversity:
- Dry, lively, and mineral whites
- Demi-sec wines that balance freshness and roundness
- Sweet wines with complex aromas of candied fruits
- Sparkling wines made using traditional methods
The diversity of Montlouis’ terroirs, primarily composed of flint clay on a limestone subsoil, gives the wines a lovely minerality and great finesse.
For jazz enthusiasts, Montlouis-sur-Loire hosts an unmissable cultural event: the jazz festival held every September. This festival attracts renowned musicians and jazz lovers, providing a unique opportunity to combine wine discovery with musical pleasures in an enchanting setting.
Visitors can take the opportunity to explore the many wineries in the appellation, many of which offer cellar tours and tastings. This is the perfect occasion to discover the richness and diversity of Montlouis-sur-Loire wines while enjoying the beauty of the vineyard landscapes lining the Loire.
Finally, the proximity to Tours and Amboise makes Montlouis-sur-Loire an ideal stop on a broader wine tourism circuit, allowing visitors to discover other wine and heritage treasures of the Loire Valley.
A cellar visit near Montlouis-sur-Loire? Among the wineries closest to downtown Montlouis, we recommend the essential François Chidaine and his “cave boutique” located on the Loire quays. If you’re coming from Tours, you can stop for a tasting at Domaine de l’Ouche Gaillard. Arriving from Amboise, be sure to stop to taste the magnificent wines of Jacky Blot at Domaine de la Taille aux Loups. Cheers!
