Cabernet franc is the dominant variety found in the red and "rosés" wines of Touraine. Locally called "le bon breton"(" the good briton"), it produces thin-musked, blue-shaded black berries. Whether Cabernet Franc is planted on the sandy clay blanks of the Vienne river, chalky clay hills or the chalky plateau of Val de Loire will influence on the structure and flavour of the wines. Ripe grapes will turn out wines with intense red fruit aromas. Less mature grapes will give the wines green pepper and also undergrowth notes .

There is also a variety used for white wines called chenin blanc or pineau de Loire. White wines are usually dry, with a little residual sugar in the vintages getting a bigger exposition to sun.

Touraine can pride itself on its unique patrimony and destiny: numerous royal castles, including Chambord or Chinon, stage of one of the most extraordinary encounter of France's history, that of Charles VII and Joan of Arc, or the lesser known yet admirable chapel of Champigny sur Veude. Kings chose Touraine as their favourite hunting ground for its forests were well-stocked with game, and gradually commissioned the construction of some of the most representative accomplishements of Renaissance's architectural style, which witnessed as many dramatic political decisions as royal romances. Many great artists honoured the beauty of this region whether by their sojourn there or in their works, including Léonard de Vinci, Joachim du Bellay or even Gustave Flaubert, who wrote about Chenonceau that it exuded "something of a remarkable sweetness and aristocratic serenity".

Driving, cycling, riding, or walking, discover the charms of the "Garden of France" and its numerous specialities !