Our recent trip to Vouvray, the Château de Moncontour and its vineyards

Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, Vouvray is one of France’s most celebrated wine regions, renowned for its rich history, unique terroir, and the Chenin Blanc wines. It is located approximately 34 miles from our gites in France with a pool on the east side of Tours. The region is steeped in tradition, with its vineyards stretching back to the 4th century and its well-known wines. Among its main producers is the Château de Moncontour, a historical landmark that not only offers views of the surrounding vineyards but also provides a glimpse into the region's aristocratic past.

The History of Vouvray

Vouvray (https://vouvray.fr/fr/) lies in the Loire Valley. The village is built on the side of a hill with a small church near the top. The vineyards that surround this village benefit from a temperate climate, ideal for growing the Chenin Blanc grape, which thrives on the chalky soils of the area. This grape variety is the lifeblood of Vouvray, producing wines in a range of styles, from crisp and dry to sweet and sparkling.

Vouvray’s history as a wine-producing region dates to the Roman era when the first vines were planted in the fertile lands along the Loire River. However, it wasn’t until the 16th century that Vouvray gained significant renown. The local nobility and royalty appreciated the high-quality wines of the region, and by the 19th century, Vouvray had become a favourite.

Today, Vouvray is well known for its white wines, often marked by their balance of acidity, richness, and complexity. The wines are mostly made from Chenin Blanc, but you can also find small quantities of other varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, particularly for sparkling wines. There are four main types of Vouvray wine:

1. Sec (Dry) – Crisp, with bright acidity and flavours ranging from apple to citrus, often with a minerally edge.

2. Demi-Sec (Semi-Dry) – A sweeter wine, which often has a honeyed character and is perfect with food pairings.

3. Moelleux (Sweet) – These are rich, dessert-style wines, often with flavours of ripe fruits and honey.

4. Petillant (Sparkling) – Vouvray also produces sparkling wines made using traditional methods, similar to Champagne.

This versatility allows Vouvray wines to pair with a wide array of cuisines, making them a favourite. Whether you are enjoying a light summer salad or a rich seafood dish, one of the Vouvray wines will be a perfect match.

 Château de Moncontour: A Historical Treasure (https://www.vouvray.com/domaine/domaines/vignobles-feray-chateau-moncontour-vouvray-37/)

The Château de Moncontour stands as a striking reminder of the region’s regal past, and today it continues to be a key player in the production of Vouvray wine. Situated in the heart of the Vouvray appellation, this magnificent 16th-century château is surrounded by vineyards that produce some of the finest Vouvray wines.

The château’s history dates to the Renaissance period, and its architectural beauty is a testament to the grandeur of this era. With its soaring towers, intricate stonework, and commanding views of the surrounding Loire Valley, the Château de Moncontour offers a picturesque snapshot of France’s aristocratic history. It was originally built by the Counts of Moncontour, who were instrumental in shaping the region’s political and economic landscape.

Over the centuries, the château has undergone several transformations, but it has retained much of its original charm and character. It is set in a landscape of lush vineyards, with the Loire River meandering in the distance, making it a perfect place to enjoy the region’s beauty and history. The château’s gardens are equally magnificent.

Vouvray Wine and the Château de Moncontour: A Perfect Pairing

Today, the Château de Moncontour is not just a historical monument but also a renowned vineyard producing exceptional Vouvray wines. The château’s vineyards, covering over 45 hectares, produce a range of Vouvray wines, from dry to sparkling.

The estate also has a long-standing commitment to sustainable farming practices, ensuring that the vineyards are managed in a way that protects the environment while maintaining the highest quality standards. The wine production process at Château de Moncontour is deeply rooted in tradition, yet it embraces modern techniques to preserve the unique characteristics of Vouvray wines.

Visitors to the Château de Moncontour can explore the vineyard, learning about the winemaking process and tasting a variety of wines that showcase the range of styles that the region has to offer. The estate’s tasting room offers a welcoming atmosphere for both novices and seasoned wine connoisseurs to indulge in the flavours of Vouvray while taking in the breathtaking views of the vineyards.

There is a museum attached to the tasting rooms. The museum is a bit dated and has limited information (particularly in English) but it does give an insight into wine making on the estate. There is a charge for the museum. Check the reviews on Tripadvisor.

La Grande Reserve, which is a brut sparkling wine, is our favourite and an excellent good value alternative to champagne. The local Super U stocks Cuvee Predilection Brut which is the same sparkling wine.

A summary

A trip to Vouvray is a great day out taking about 45 minutes from our holiday homes in France. Visit the vineyard, buy your wines and then visit the church at the top of the village as we did. Near the church is the brasserie La Haut (https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Restaurant_Review-g425039-d28034487-Reviews-La_Haut-Vouvray_Indre_et_Loire_Centre_Val_de_Loire.html)   which served us a great value set lunch for 18 euros. We enjoyed the meal sitting at one of the tables in the square by the church which overlooks the village and the surrounding countryside.

Vouvray, with its stunning wines and captivating landscapes, is a true gem in the Loire Valley. The Château de Moncontour, with its rich history and exceptional wines, offers a perfect window into the region's aristocratic past. Whether you are a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or someone simply looking to explore the beauty of France, Vouvray and the Château de Moncontour book our gite (Rates & Availability) and will have a great day out.