Orléans () is an Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) for wine in the Loire Valley wine region of France situated around the city of Orléans.
History
Contemporary history This wine has held AOC status since September 2006. Prior to this date it held VDQS status, and the VDQS was renamed from Vins de l'Orléanais to Orléans in 2002. In the course of the 20th century, the Orléans wine-growing area went through a serious decline. Its accession to AOC status has come about thanks to the unstinting efforts of its producers over the last 20 years.
Geographical Location The area lies in the Loiret department in the communes of Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle, Saint-Pryvé-Saint-Mesmin, Baule, Beaugency, Chécy, Cléry-Saint-André, Mardié, Mareau-aux-Prés, Meung-sur-Loire, Mézières-lez-Cléry, Olivet, Orléans, Saint-Ay, Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Mesmin and Saint-Jean-de-Braye.
Geology Siliceous clay and siliceous gravel soils.Solar Green Guide: Wines of France. (Page No. 193 of Orleans)
Climate The climate is semi-oceanic with continental influences.
Orléans + Temperatures - Readings taken at Orléans-Bricy 1961–1990Statements Orleans Bricy 1961–1990 Consultation: February 2008Month:JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDecYear:Average minimum temperatures (°C)0.30.82.24.37.810.712.612.310.37.33.31.16.1Average Temperatures (°C)3.1. 4.26.69.312.916.218.518.215.811.76.63.810.6Average Maximum Temperatures (°C)5.97.610.914.318.121.624.424.021.216.29.96.515.1
+ Precipitation, relative humidity and sunshine - Readings taken at Orléans-Bircy 1961–1990Statements Orleans Bricy 1961–1990. Accessed February 2008Month:JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDecYear:Cumulative monthly precipitation (mm)55.249.751.847.965.847.552.445.349.357.960.154.3637.2Relative Humidity (%)89857974767472727784899080Total sunshine (hours)58.585.2134.7176.6206.7230.4252.2225180.3129.574.650.71804.5
Wine-growing area
Profile The total surface area under cultivation is .
Grape varieties Pinot noir and Pinot Meunier are the varieties used to make red wine. White wines are made from Chardonnay grapes, which must constitute at least 60% of the total grapes used and can be blended with Pinot gris. In reality, however, only Chardonnay tend to be used. Rosé wines are made from two Pinot varieties, Pinot Meunier and Pinot noir.
Types of wines and gastronomy The wines are generally straightforward, honest and fruity. They are made to be drunk within a relatively short time, between 2 and 5 years after bottling.
Notes and references
Bibliography Michel Mastrojanni: Les Vins de France (guide vert solar). Éditions Solar, Paris 1992 – 1994 – 1998.