The Loire troglodytes didn’t choose tuffeau limestone by chance. This soft rock, born 90 million years ago in a warm sea, is easy to carve yet hardens when exposed to air. Perfect for digging cellars that now stretch through more than 1000 km of underground galleries!
Notice those slightly damp walls: that’s exactly what’s needed to maintain a constant 85% humidity and steady 12°C temperature year-round. Medieval winemakers had already figured out their precious bottles would thrive beautifully in such conditions.
But there’s more! Above ground, tuffeau plays conductor to the terroir orchestra. Its fine particles retain water in summer and release it to the vines when needed, while its whiteness reflects light to better ripen the grapes. No wonder the Loire’s finest châteaux also chose it as their building stone!
