Poitou

Poitou is one of those regions that is rather forgotten lying as it does between the famous regions of Bordeaux and the Loire Valley.  However, it is the home of some excellent wines usually at very good prices and young, ambitious winemakers have begun to produce wines in this promising corner of southwest France. 

The climate and the soils are very similar to those found in the Loire Valley just several kilometers further north.  Although grapes have been grown here for many centuries, the vineyards suffered in the 17^th century from the Religious Wars in the region and in the 19^th century from phylloxera.  It is only in the last 30 years or so that the area has seen a renaissance (Haut Poitou was awarded its AOC in 2010). 

The grapes grown in the region tend to be Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay for the whites and Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Pinot Noir for the reds and rosés.  The wines have quite powerful, fruit driven aromas, good freshness and balance.  These are wines to enjoy young although some of the most talented winemakers such as Frederic Brochet are now making serious wines that are receiving great praise.