Anjou-Villages is a high-level designation for red wines in the wide Anjou area, located in the western part of the Loire Valley, France. It is created in 1991 to define superior quality wines produced from specific vineyard sites around Anjou.
These wines are produced mainly from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, and sometimes with Pineau d'Aunis, Grolleau and Malbec to lesser extent. Anjou-Villages wines are often characterized by a deep purple color, a nose of ripe red and black fruits, and a hint of spice, typically they have more complex, profound flavors with a rich tannic structure which allows them to age well.
The vineyards allowed to produce Anjou-Villages wines are spread across 151 communes in the Maine-et-Loire department, its soils mainly consist of schist, sandstone and carboniferous limestone, contributing to the unique character of the wines.
In terms of regulations, Anjou-Villages wines must adhere to strict production rules, including minimum alcohol levels, yield restrictions, and specified viticultural practices. Furthermore, all wines must undergo a tasting panel review before being allowed to use the Anjou-Villages appellation.
