9th stage in our trip in the French vineyards: Lorraine! Lorraine is one of the smallest vineyards in France, with less than 200 ha of vines, but its originality is the production of a vin gris from Gamay…
Map of the Lorraine vineyard
Do you know the vineyard of Lorraine?
The vineyard of Lorraine is located in the departments of Meuse, Moselle and Meurthe-et-Moselle in the Lorraine region. It is one of the smallest vineyards in France, but it stands out from its neighbors thanks to its vin gris wine made from Gamay: the Côtes de Toul gris. The vineyard is also the cradle of the white Auxerrois grape variety, which is quite unknown!
Its 180 hectares of AOC vines are planted on clay-limestone soils and benefit from a temperate-oceanic and semi-continental climate. To produce Lorraine wine, winegrowers use the following grape varieties: Pinot Noir and Gamay for red wine, and Auxerrois and Chardonnay for white wine.
The production of the region is 55% vin gris, 20% red wines, and 15% dry white wines. The vineyard of Lorraine has 3 appellations : AOC Moselle, AOC Côtes de Toul and IGP Côtes de Meuse
Lorraine vineyard
What is vin gris?
Vin gris, or grey wine, is a variant of rosé wine. It requires a very short maceration, so its color is very clear. Like rosé, vin gris is generally obtained by vinification of black grape with Pinot Noir or Gamay. On the other hand, to make vin gris de gris, one must vinify grey grapes such as Grenache gris or Pinot gris.
What wine and food pairings?
Rosé, red and gris wine from Lorraine
Here are the food and wine pairing tips from Michelin-starred Chef Christophe Dufossé :
Côtes de Toul wines are pleasurable, fruity and sweet wines that flatter the palate. They will be perfect served with trout, coq au vin or quiche Lorraine.
More confidential and in connection with its origins, the Côtes de Meuse wine will be sublimated with regional dishes, game and casseroles.
Moselle wines are characterized as sweet and fine. Serve them with red fruits or chocolate for a daring balance!
What to visit in Lorraine?
A terroir to discover
Lorraine, this rare and confidential region, opens its doors to you! Set off to discover “an endearing territory with authentic charm”. Two Wine Routes are open to you. First of all, the Côtes de Toul tourist route. Discover and discover the secrets of the Gris de Toul and its crystalline robe, with delicate red fruit aromas. Then, discover the Moselle Wine Route: from the borders of Luxembourg via Metz to Vic-Sur-Seuille, this beautiful escapade to meet the winegrowers will open your eyes to their orientation towards organic farming.
Take advantage of a bucolic stroll to get some fresh air and discover the terroir of the Lorraine vineyards. You won’t regret it!
Book your visit on Winetourbooking.com
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