The appellation is located in the Pays Nantais area in the Loire wine region near the mouth of the river into the Atlantic Ocean. The former VDQS area was classified as AOP in 2011. The vineyards cover around 480 hectares of vines in 19 communes of the Département Vendée. There are five sub-areas: Brem, Chantonnay, Mareuil, Pissotte and Vix, whose names may be added by privileged communes. The name "Anciens Fiefs du Cardinal" (former fiefdoms of the Cardinal) refers to Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642), who appreciated the wines from this area. Mainly red wines and rosé wines from Gamay and Pinot Noir (zum. 50%) are produced, as well as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Négrette and max. 15% Gamay Teinturier de Chaudenay. The white wines are blended from Chenin Blanc (zum. 50%), Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Melon de Bourgogne and Groslot Gris(Grolleau Gris). Well known producers are Domaine de Barbinière, Domaine de la Cambaudière, Clos des Chaumes, Domaine Coirier, Ferme des Ardillers and Michon.
Serious sources on the internet are rare - and Wine lexicon from wein.plus is one such source. When researching for my articles, I regularly consult the wein.plus encyclopaedia. There I get reliable and detailed information.
Thomas Götz
Weinberater, Weinblogger und Journalist; Schwendi