All about Saumur Champigny
Capital of the Huguenots under Henry IV, Saumur has been an important trading center since the 12th century.
Explore our appellation sheet
Origins
History
Capital of the Huguenots under Henri IV, Saumur has been an important trading center since the 12th century. The name of this appellation could derive from the Latin campus igni or field of fire, due to the particularly warm microclimate of this area.
Presentation
In the Saumur appellation area, the Champigny denomination can be added for the greatest red wines, made from 8 communes close to Saumur.
Soil and climate
Soils: The vineyards are scattered in islets, on tuffeau (chalk) hillocks and Senonian or Eocene outcrops. Saumur Champigny vines occupy a remarkable position on the upper Turonian plateau and on the plateaus capping the tuffeau.
Climate: Temperate oceanic.
Cultivation methods
Minimum density 4,000 plants/ha.
Single Guyot pruning generally.