Vines have been part of the Touraine landscape since the 8th century but it was in the 15th century that winegrowing underwent particularly strong development in Amboise thanks to Louis XI's influence.
In fact, Touraine wines were favourites at the Court, hence their motto: "Our Kings Loved It".

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Wines made with Pineau de la Loire grapes, otherwise known as Chenin:
• Sparkling wines: they are light and very pleasant as an aperitif or a dessert wine. They are also great for drinks with friends.
• Still wines: they may be dry, semi-dry or sweet depending on the level of sunshine. Dry whites go very well with fish and seafood while the semi-dry wines are wonderful with pork meat products and fish in sauce. The sweet wines, with their taste of honey, are sheer delight with  foie gras or as an aperitif.

Unlike red wines which get their colour from the maceration of the whole grape including the skin, rosés, which are produced from the same red grape varieties, are pressed as soon as the grapes arrive at the cellar or 24 hours later, when the required colour is obtained. These wines are not stored in casks. Instead, they are bottled early to keep all their freshness. Rosés should be drunk chilled but not iced.

The most expressive of the Amboise reds is produced from a blend of Cabernet, Cot and Gamay grapes. This is the Cuvée François Ier, a wine with character that goes well with a range of dishes, from the lightest delicacies to succulent game. Moreover, it can be cellared for several years.

La Commanderie des grands vins d’Amboise was set up in the spring of 1967 by a team of dynamic winegrowers. Their project received support from  Michel Debré, Honorary President of the wine association known as the "Syndicat des Vins de Touraine Amboise".

The main aim of the "Brotherhood" is to increase public awareness, in France and abroad, of the merits and virtues of the entire range of noble wines produced within this area as A.O.C. wines, whether white, rosé or red. Traditionally, it holds its meetings, called "chapters":
• in January, the "Chapter of St. Vincent", patron saint of winegrowers, held in turn in one of the nine villages within the area producing A.O.C. wines. During the chapter, the oldest and most deserving person in the village is honoured.
• 3rd Saturday in September: the "Chapter of Harvests", held in the cellars in La Croix Douillard.
In addition to these meetings, the "Brotherhood" holds frequent, exceptional meetings during the year, at the request of other agencies and bodies. During these exceptional chapters, the requesting body and its guests are made members of the brotherhood and are particularly honoured.

E-mail: contact@commanderie-vins-amboise.com

Interloire
Interprofession des vins du val de Loire, an association created by the winegrowers of Anjou, the Saumur area and Touraine, to defend and develop their A.O.C. wines (Appellations d’Origine Contrôlées, registered designation of origin).
12 rue Etienne Pallu – BP 61 921 – 37 019 Tours cédex
Tel. (0) 247 60 55 10
Fax (0) 247 60 55 09
E-mail: touraine@interloire.com

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