The archaeological discovery of a large number of amphoras used for the wine trade in the Mediterranean confirms that the Châteaumeillant vineyard dates back at least to the 5th century. Gregory of Tours writings and later medieval charters mentioned the regulations of the vineyard and the marketing of its wines. It was during the Second Empire that the vineyard reached its peak with an area of 1,200 hectares before being devastated by the phylloxera pest. Today, Châteaumeillant is renowned for its “grey” wine (rosé blush wine), vinified from Gamay (&PN?) grapes and has recently, in 2010, obtained its AOC for both red and rosé wines.
The Châteaumeillant vineyard covers two departments (Cher and Indre) and 7 villages (Châteaumeillant, Saint-Maur, Vesdun, Champillet, Feusilles, Néret and Urciers) at an altitude of 250 meters. The vines are planted on a very typical terroir predominantly composed of siliceous soils with sand and clay.
The Red wines, supple and fruity, are made from Pinot Noir and Gamay. These varietals give wines characterized by ripe red fruits and spices aromas with a nice structure and flavorful.
The Rosés wines -called “grey”, also made from the same grape varieties, feature a beautiful freshness with white fruits aromas accompanied by subtle sweet notes, all and all very generous. These are the flagship wines of this young appellation.
