If Cahors is the emblematic appellation for Côt, the latter has found its place in Touraine and, more precisely in the Cher valley, from Montlouis to Saint-Aignan. While it often remains blended with Cabernet Franc, its proportion tends to grow as it brings color, body and specific aromas to the wine.

Note that “côt” is written with or without a circumflex accent.

Although François the First (King of France in the early 1500’s) would have introduced the grape variety to the Château de Fontainebleau during the Renaissance, there is no documentary trace attesting to the presence of côt grape in the Loire Valley before the second half of the 18th century. But the fact that the grape variety was widespread in the following century suggests an ancient presence in the Loire vineyards.