Cheverny is an appellation of the central Loire Valley wine region of France. It was promoted from VDQS status in March 1993 and now produces almost 30,000hL of red, white and rose wines each year. These are made from about 1360 acres (550ha) of vineyards located in Cheverny itself and in 23 nearby parishes on the southern banks of the Loire. The Romorantin wines of Cour-Cheverny are quite distinct, although they are produced from an area with the wider Cheverny catchment area.
The light, fresh Cheverny reds are made from Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Pinot Noir, and are best consumed within two years of vintage. Pinot Noir is required to form at least 60% of the rose blends, complemented by Gamay and a small addition of Cabernet Franc and Malbec (known locally as Cot). The less internationally appealing Pineau d'Aunis and Grolleau Noir grape varieties were previously a component in Cheverny roses, but have now been phased out – as has happened in several other Loire appellations.
White Cheverny wines are made from a mixture of 'Sauvignon' (itself an unspecified blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris), and lesser proportions of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Arbois (spelled Orbois here). They are not dissimilar in style to the wines of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume, although they do lack the distinctive minerality and searing Sauvignon acidity which defines the eastern Loire's two most-famous appellations.
