Most of the grapes are fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks with less than 5% of the total blend in oak. The wine is very deep purple in color with aromas of dark black cherry. Flavors are deep and lush with crisp yet distinct tannins.
The Touraine appellation sits in the heart of the east-west Loire Valley, mid-way between Orleans and Brittany's coastal city of Nantes. Within the boundaries, to the east lie the great Cabernet Franc vineyards of Chinon, Bourgueil and St Nicolas de Bourgueil. To the west, the Chenin plantings in Vouvray and Montlouis draw international attention. The greater appellation of Touraine has a diverse wine portfolio, allowing many varietals (notably Gamay, Sauvignon Blanc, and the Pineau D'Aunis that goes into Villemaine's rose) in its bottlings. The soil is primarily sand, clay and limestone. While wine styles change as you follow the river, they are made to display freshness and relatively high acidity with oak rarely being used.