Château du Petit Thouars - currently AC but a future vin de pays?
A couple of days ago I wrote about a couple of 2008 Cabernets from Château du Petit Thouars (AC Touraine). The domaine is in western Touraine close to the Chinon appellation. This is traditional Cabernet Franc territory for the reds and Chenin Blanc for the whites.
The new AC Touraine ‘reforms’ will be insisting on a minimum 50% Côt for the more structured reds. I understand from Sebastian de Petit Thouars that the producers in this part of Touraine are hoping for a derogation, so that they can continue their long tradition of making pure Cabernet Franc and still be entitled to the Touraine appellation.
Hoping for a derogation! From a new reform! Surely had these proposals been properly drawn up and thought through 100% Chenin Blanc and 100% Cabernet Franc would have been permitted at the very least in this part of Touraine. Along with neighbouring Saumur-Champigny, western Touraine including its ACs of Chinon, Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil is largest producer of quality Cabernet Franc in the world. Those drawing up these reforms appear to have forgotten this.
It looks like the producers of Eastern Touraine have royally stuffed their fellow vignerons in the west.
Cabernet Franc: the red variety of Western Touraine
As if French vignerons don't have enough problems already competing in the marketplace, the AOC authorities are trying to make their life even more difficult.
ReplyDeleteJim
ReplyDeleteHow strong is the anti-AC feeling amongst growers of cabernet franc in western Touraine?
Is there a strong enough groundswell to allow a vin de table movement to bear fruit?
Separately, how is the AC system rated in France overall? Do Touraine producers actually need the AC stamp of approval to sell their wines?
Thanks