2019 · Saumur Champigny

Saumur-Champigny is a Loire Valley red-wine appellation centered on Cabernet Franc, grown on tuffeau limestone soils tempered by the Loire River. Its winegrowers are united around fresh, elegant and finely aromatic wines, while pursuing a notably collective approach to environmental stewardship. Since 2004, they have developed biodiversity research, planted ecological hedges and trees, maintained grass cover between vine rows, reduced insecticide use, and introduced nesting boxes and bat-conservation projects. The appellation also explores agroforestry and vitipastoralism with Solognote sheep. Its producers coordinate technical monitoring, promotion and disease response, including collective action against flavescence dorée. Events such as Les Grandes Tablées showcase the region’s wines, food and strong community spirit.