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Orleans is a city in the north of central France, lying to the south-west of Paris. Although it is located a considerable distance north of the main portion of the Loire Valley vineyards, Orleans is typically treated as part of the region. It has its own eponymous appellation, which was promoted from VDQS status in September 2006.
The catchment area for the Orleans appellation covers 13 communes and follows the path of the Loire as it heads south-west towards Blois and eventually Tours. The city itself lies at a latitude of 48 degrees, making its vineyards some of the most northerly in the whole of France (beaten only by Champagne and Alsace at roughly 49 degrees north). As a result, Orleans wines are light in body and typically have high levels of refreshing acidity. Deprived of the vital bright-white limestone soils and sunny south-facing slopes of Sancerre, just to the south, white wines from Orleans tend to lack the depth and minerality that characterize the eastern Loire's most-famous white wine.
Orleans has a total annual output of roughly 5000hL of red, rose and white wine, made from fewer than 240 acres (100ha) of vines. Given the northerly latitude, it is perhaps not surprising that the grape types used here are the same as in Champagne, with a little help from some more-substantial varieties borrowed from further south. Pinot Meunier is the dominant ingredient in the reds and roses, often partnered with Pinot Noir or even a touch of Cabernet Franc from the district's more gravelly vineyards. Chardonnay (known locally as Auvernat Blanc) is the dominant white wine variety, accompanied by a splash of Pinot Gris.
Within the wider Orleans catchment area is the parish of Clery, which produces slightly fuller red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. These are sold as Orleans-Clery.
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