Saumur [soh-MYOOR]
An attractive town located on the Loire River not far from the city of Angers in the central Loire. The surrounding area is part of a larger growing region known as Anjou-Saumur. There are a number of appellations in the area including Saumur, Cabernet de Saumur, Saumur mousseux, and Saumur-Champigny. The Saumur AC is for red, white, and rosé wines. The white wines are made mainly from Chenin Blanc, although some Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc is sometimes added. The wines are usually quite acidic, and many of them end up in the sparkling wines of the Saumur mousseux AC. These sparkling wines, which are made via méthode champenoise, have been produced in this area since 1811. They’re allowed to use Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as other varieties like Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, and Pinot Noir. Some of the area producers are shifting production to a higher-quality Crémant de Loire AC sparkling wine. Saumur AC red and rosé wines are made mainly from Cabernet Franc, occasionally with the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d’Aunis. The Saumur-Champigny AC is an appellation with higher standards for red wines made from these same grapes. Qualifying rosé wines from this area can also, and usually DO, use the Cabernet de Saumur AC.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.