Domaine Colin 

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The origin of the agricultural farm goes back to 1735. Patrice Colin represents the 8th generation on the property which covers covers 25 hectares, 9 of which is planted with Pineau d’Aunis, 8 of Chenin, 2,5 hectares of Pinot Noir, 2 hectares of Cabernet Franc, 2 hectares of Gamay and 1,5 hectares of Chardonnay. The vineyard is located on the limestone slopes of the Loir. The flint soil, low rainfall and ideal sunshine thanks to a superb exposure give the wine its remarkable character. Winemaking process is done with natural yeast and without any input in order to represent the original expression of the terroir and the vintage.

The Coteaux du Vendômois vineyards lie in the Loir and Cher département in the Loir valley to the west of Vendôme. The appellation covers 27 communes. AOP/AOC was created by decree dated 2nd May 2001, amended 24th October 2011.  The vineyard area is 120 ha.  Average annual production over the last 5 years is 4,600 hl divided as follow:
- white: 800 hl
- red: 1,800 hl
- rosé: 2,100 hl

• Soil type

Chalk (tuffeau) from the Turonian era, broken down into siliceous clay on the steeper slopes

• Climate

Modified oceanic, where oceanic and continental influences meet. The Loir regulates temperatures, as do the valleys draining cold air from the hillsides. Rainfall is around 680 mm per year.

• Varietals

- white : primarily Chenin, with Chardonnay authorised to 20%

- red : Pineau d’Aunis (minimum 50%), with Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Gamay authorised as auxiliaries
- grey: Pineau d’Aunis

• History

There is a reference to the Coteaux du Vendômois vineyards as early as the 10th century, in a Deed of Endowment which mentions the presence of vines at Villedieu. Henri IV is said to have thought highly of these wines, particularly those from the Domaine de Prépatour in Naveil. But it was only in the 18th century that winegrowing in the Vendôme began in earnest.

Source and map credit : loirevalleywine.com