Giennois, Coteaux du, small aoc which extends on both banks of the Loire from just north of pouilly-fumé in the upper Loire to the town of Gien. Although the zone is quite extensive, and encompasses both calcareous and flint soils, it comprised only just over 200 ha/495 acres in 2012. Most of the wines are crisp, pale whites made exclusively from Sauvignon Blanc but some light red and rosé are also made from a blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir. Joseph Balland-Chapuis is one of the most dedicated producers in this region, where spring frosts are a perennial threat.
