📜 Cheverny

Cheverny is a protected designation of origin (PDO) for still white, red and rosé wines from the Loire Valley in France. According to the single document of its specification, the designation was recognised in 1993.

The grapes are harvested and the wines made and developed in a list of communes of the Loir-et-Cher department, including Cheverny, Cour-Cheverny, Chambord and Vineuil. The permitted varieties are Chardonnay, Chenin, Gamay, Orbois, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon and Sauvignon Gris.

White wines have a maximum total alcoholic strength of 12.5% and a minimum natural strength of 10%. Their fermentable sugar may not exceed 4 grams per litre, or 6 grams if the natural strength is at least 13.5%. Red wines have a malic acid content of at most 0.3 g per litre and fermentable sugar of at most 2 g per litre. Rosé wines are limited like white wines, with a natural strength of at least 10%. The maximum yield is 72 hectolitres per hectare for white and 66 for red and rosé. White and rosé wines above 4 g of sugar per litre are made without enrichment, and charcoal may not be used for rosé.

The minimum planting density is 4,500 vines per hectare, with rows at most 2.10 m apart and 0.90 to 1.20 m between vines in a row. Vines carry at most 13 buds, pruned as Guyot, two half canes or spur pruning.

According to the specification, the Loire has long been a trade route for the wine, and the woods around the vineyards help keep the climate cool. Pinot Noir is the main variety for red and rosé, while Sauvignon and Chardonnay are named for the whites. The name «Vin de Loire» may supplement the designation on the label.