Domaine du Mortier
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Experience the walking tour of Domaine de Mortier estate with exclusive wine tasting.
Located in the Loire Valley wine region, Touraine is a beautiful wine district and AOC of France. This appellation is famous for its dry, white, and red wines rich in tannins. The main centre of the Touraine wine region is the city of Tours, which sits precisely halfway between Sancerre and Nantes. Wines made from an expansive palette of grape varieties provide unforgettable wine experiences for any wine lover.
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The Touraine wine region stretches from Anjou in the west to the Sologne region in the east. This is in an area that covers 104 communes in Indre-et-Loire and 42 in Loir-et-Cher. Because of its location, Touraine is considered being the heart of Loire Valley.
The area of vineyards covers the entire district with around 5000 hectares (12,350 acres). Most of the vineyards are located on the slopes between the Cher and the Loire. Anjou, Anjou-Saumur, and Touraine vineyards are part of the Middle Loire.
The first mention of vineyards in the Touraine area was in 582 by Grégoire de Tours. The new vineyards were created as a result of a joint effort by the Count of Anjou and the Catholic authorities. Over the centuries, the influence of the Augustine and Benedictine monks was a significant factor in the growth of the various vineyards. The monks not only grew the vines, but knew how to make high-quality wines.
Touraine gets its name from a Celtic tribe called the Turones, which occupied the area about two thousand years ago. In 1044, the administration of Touraine was transferred to the kings of England in 1154, the castle of Chinon being their greatest center.
In 1205, Philip II Augustus of France regained Touraine. At this time, Touraine was made into a royal duchy. Throughout the late 15th and 16th centuries, Touraine was a personal residence of French kings, and the gloomy castles were turned into Renaissance châteaux; because of this reason, the region was titled "The Garden of France".
Touraine wine region covers 6 communes located on the right bank of the Loire. These vineyards are perfectly delimited by limestone slopes overlooking the Loire Valley from 30 to 40 m high. Beyond these vineyard slopes lies a vast undulating plateau corresponding to the Gâtine Tourangelle.
Touraine is located upon the Paris Basin and is full of limestone covered with flinty clay or sand and gravel. The soils in the region range from alluvial river gravels to unique rock and tuffeau. Each of these soil types affects the wine ability of the ageing process.
As for the climate, Touraine is dominated by an oceanic climate in the west, becoming more continental as you move east. These diversities in climate type, combined with various soils, determine the choice of the grape variety planted in this area.
You will come across all colours of wines in the Touraine wine region. Whites account for 59 percent of production, reds for 22, sparkling for 11, and rosé for 8 percent.
The main grape varieties for Touraine white wines are Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and some Chardonnay grapes. Chardonnay is allowed up to 20 percent of blends and accounts for 3 percent of the vineyard area, while Chenin Blanc comes only at 7 percent.
As for Touraine red wine and Touraine Rose wine, producers use Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pineau d’Aunis, and Pinot Noir grapes. We should mention that Touraine rosés account for only 20 percent of the whole production, and they are dry in style.
Lobster Thermidor is a classical French dish that goes well with local wines. It is made with lobster meat which is covered with wine and seasoned with egg sauce and cheese. There are various stories and myths surrounding the food, but according to the most popular version, it got its name from the play known as Thermidor.
Lobster Thermidor was born at Marie’s, a well-known restaurant at the time, on the night of Thermidor's premiere. This dish uses all of the common French ingredients such as butter and cream.
The dish is usually served in restaurants and prepared for special occasions. Nowadays, it is considered classical French cuisine and can be found in traditional French restaurants. Once you visit the France wine region, taste this dish with a glass of Touraine Wine.
If you are a cheese lover, you will like this food and wine combination, because Gougères pair well enough with local wines. They are small pastry puffs made from choux dough and cheese, like Comté, Emmentaler, or Gruyère.
Gougères are frequently served cold or at room temperature paired with a glass of champagne or white wine, but they can also be served warm as an appetizer. They can also be served in a sweet version, accompanied by various fruit jams on the side. We suggest tasting these amazing local puffs with a glass of Touraine Wine.
Rillettes de Tours is a meal made from pork meat that has been cooked in a bowl of pork lard. This dish comes from the French area of the city of Tours. Locals call it a 'pig jam' because it is usually presented in a pot or a jar.
The meat can be seasoned with white wine during the cooking process, and the outcome is a yellow to a brown paste with a rough texture and a unique taste, like the character of roast pork. Serve it on toasted bread with cornichon to cut the rich taste of this French delicacy, and pair it with a glass of cold Touraine wine.
Chenonceau Castle is among the noblest of all the Loire castles. It is because of its extraordinary balcony overlooking the River Cher, its beautiful interior, and its magnificent gardens.
This building is a true gem of the Renaissance, decorated by two iconic women: Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers. The wife and favorite of King Henry II respectively, they formed, managed, and protected the castle. For the record, Henry II gave the castle to his mistress, who was driven out when the queen became regent.
As you enter the castle, you will appreciate the tasteful decoration. Renaissance furniture, paintings, and 16th-century Flemish tapestries adorn the various rooms. Among the most interesting places to visit near Touraine, Chenonceau Castle is one of the best options.
Azay-le-Rideau Castle in Indre-et-Loire is a true example of Renaissance architecture. Although construction started throughout the 16th century, it was finished only in the 19th century.
Azay-le-Rideau Castle combines French and Italian styles and embraces romanticism. The River Indre is reflecting the building's image and creates a unique environment. Inside, you can admire beautifully decorated rooms, an extraordinary high staircase with carved embellishments, and décors. While visiting the Touraine wine appellation, you should take a look at this beautiful castle and enjoy walking through its astonishing park.
Tours is now the capital of Touraine, but in the 15th and 16th centuries it was the capital of France. The town has retained many indications of its past and encourages you to discover them. A very active neighbourhood, the old town, and its famous Place Plumereau are the most favourite parts of Tours.
Lined with beautiful houses and villas, this walker square is full of restaurants and cafés. You will discover the city's flagship monument, the Gothic Cathedral of St. Gatianus. Inside, you can see a 13th-century choir and admire glassful windows from the 13th century.
Tours' old town also holds the imperial castle. One famous person who spent time there was Joan of Arc, following her victory in Orleans. Today, it is a mecca for contemporary art. If you like medieval towns, Tours should be on your checklist.
Explore the best Wineries in Touraine!
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Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
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Have a wine tasting paired with local food and a guided tour at Domaine Marc Bredif
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