Valencay

Valencay is a minor appellation, located just outside of the Touraine on another of the Loire's tributaries, the river Cher. Valencay is one of the more recent of the Loire regions to gain full appellation status (in 2004), covering an area of 100 hectares of vineyard that again produce a small range of white, red and rosé wines. Grown in a cool more continental climate their wines are less complex, offering more crisp and refreshing alternative instead.

White Valencay wine is predominantly Sauvignon Blanc, tending towards the eastern Loire productions of the Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé over the Chenin Blancs of the western regions whilst reds are made using local, traditional winemaking approaches by blending Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Gamay grapes. This small region is divided and owned by a respectively small number of producers, one of whom we sell below, Domaine Bardon, who demonstrates in his current vintages the zesty fruits and characteristics typical of the Valencay wine.