Loir, Coteaux du, northerly wine outpost of the greater loire region on the confusingly named Loir tributary about 40 km/25 miles north of Tours in the Sarthe département. Viticulture seriously declined here, but enthusiasts such as Joël Gigou at Domaine de la Charrière have invested in a bright future for the varied wines of this small, 70-ha/173-acre area, of which jasnières is the most famous appellation. All three colours of wine are made, with pineau d’Aunis the principal dark-skinned grape, even though acidity can be very high in less ripe years. Cabernet Franc may stiffen reds and Grolleau is allowed into its light, dry rosés. Gamay and Cot (Malbec) are allowed in both. Dry white wines are made from Chenin Blanc but tend to lack the concentration of Jasnières.
