Why it matters
The producer
A conservation cellar dug in tufa stands alongside pneumatic pressing and tangential filtration at Les Vignerons des Coteaux Romanais. The cooperative is based in Saint-Romain-sur-Cher and was founded in 1957 by Loire winegrowers from around Tours.
Following a difficult period for the sector, the cooperative accepted three new members and subsequently vinified 250 hectares. In 2006, it joined Alliance Loire, a cooperative group that includes the caves of Villers-sur-Loir and Vouvray. Denis Bourdin described the commercial effect as greater weight with clients and a complete panel of Loire wines for the sales team.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Saint-Romain-sur-Cher lies in the Centre region of the Loire Valley, within the southern Loire wine area. The wines carry the AOC Touraine designation, a legally defined geographic category that places the origin on the label without restricting the cooperative to one grape variety.
The Touraine name covers the cooperative's red and white wines, while Perrone is an effervescent wine made under AOC Touraine. Crémant de Loire adds a separate Loire sparkling style to the range.
Wines to know
The range in view
The red wines include Gamay, Cabernet, Côt and Pinot Noir. White wines are predominantly made from Sauvignon, with Chardonnay also present. Crémant de Loire brings sparkling wine to the range, and Perrone is the cooperative's effervescent wine under AOC Touraine.
Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2024 is fruity and aromatic, with a very fresh palate marked by green apple, blackcurrant leaves, pear, lime, nettle and gooseberry. Sauvignon Mythique is another named wine in the range and received a silver medal at the Concours des Grands Vins de France de Mâcon in 2012.