IGP Charentais, formerly known as vin de pays charentais up until 2009, is a French wine region and protected geographical indication (indication géographique protégée).[1][2][3] It covers the French départements of Charente and Charente-Maritime in south-west France.[4]

IGP Charentais French Wine Region

Grape varieties

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Red, rosé and dry white wines are produced in the IGP Charentais.[5]

Red varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Merlot and Pinot Noir. These varieties are also used to produce rosé wine.[6]

White varieties: Chardonnay, Colombard, Sauvignon blanc.[6]

Soils

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The most common soil type is clay-limestone, but more sandy soils are present in the coastal areas and on the île de Ré and île d'Oléron.[7]

Climate

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The IGP Charentais has a moderate maritime climate. The average temperature is 13 °C.[7]

Taste profile

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The Official Bulletin of the French Ministry of Agriculture outlines typical organoleptic profiles of IGP Charentais wines.

Red wines generally show a red fruit, ripe fruit and spice character. They are light in body but have nice structure and smooth tannins.[7]

White wines are characterized by their refreshing acidity and citrus aromas.[7]

Yields

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The maximum yield is 90 hectoliters/hectare.[7]

Supplementary geographic designations

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Wines with grapes harvested in the following sub-regions can be labelled with following supplementary designations:[8]

References

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  1. ^ Robinson, Jancis, ed. (2015). Oxford Companion to Wine. Oxford University Press. p. 369. ISBN 9780198705383. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  2. ^ "IGP Charentais Wine". Wine-searcher. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
  3. ^ Dougherty, Percy H., ed. (2012). The Geography of Wine: Regions, Terroir and Techniques. Springer. p. 62. ISBN 9789400704633. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  4. ^ "The Charentais vineyard". Bernezac.com. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  5. ^ "Vin de Pays Charentais". Cognac Wine Tours. Archived from the original on 1 June 2015. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  6. ^ a b "Our wines Vins de Pays Charentais". Vins de Pays Charentais. Archived from the original on 7 July 2015. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
  7. ^ a b c d e "CAHIER DES CHARGES DE L'INDICATION GEOGRAPHIQUE PROTEGEE " CHARENTAIS "". Bulletin Officiel - Ministère de l'Agriculture. Ministère de l'Agriculture. 27 August 2015. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
  8. ^ Gerbod, Catherine; Droulhiole, Michel (2015). Dico-guide 2016 des vins de France. Leduc.s Editions. p. 104. ISBN 9791028506148. Retrieved 26 October 2015.