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Valencay is an appellation for red, white and rose wines from the area predominantly to the north of Valencay, a town in the Indre administrative department of western France. This location means that it falls just outside the Touraine district to the north-west and instead is sometimes classed as a part of the Upper Loire valley wine region. The Loire river is actually more than 30 miles (48km) north of Valencay; it is the Cher (eventually a tributary of the Loire) that flows through some of Valencay's vineyards, and even this is only true of those in the north.
The Valencay title was promoted to full AOC status in March 2004, after 34 years as a VDQS. The red wines are made from Cot (the local name for Malbec), Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Gamay. They are produced using traditional local winemaking techniques and are best consumed within a few years of harvest.
Valencay whites are made predominantly from Sauvignon Blanc – an indicator that this area is towards the eastern end of the Loire (although Sancerre and Pouilly are still a full 60 miles/100km east of here). Also permitted in the white blends are Sauvignon Gris, Chardonnay and the relatively rare Arbois grape variety (not to be confused with the Arbois appellation).
Rather predictably, roses produced under the Valencay title may be a combination of the permitted red and white varieties, but in practice are mostly based on Malbec, Gamay and Pinot Noir.
Grown in a cool climate and in soils characterized by clay, limestone and flint, Valencay wines are typically crisp and refreshing rather than complex and structured. Only 240 acres (100ha) of vines are currently used for the appellation's wines, owned by a correspondingly small number of producers.
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