Which grapes are typical in Touraine for red wines?

• A. Sauvignon Blanc
• B. Gamay/Pinot
• C. Merlot
• D. Cabernet Franc

Answer: (B)

Touraine red wines are typically built from lighter, early-ripening varieties that suit the cooler Loire climate. The grapes most characteristic for red wines across the Touraine are Gamay and Pinot Noir. Gamay brings bright red fruit, lively acidity, and soft tannins, making fresh, early-drinking reds, while Pinot Noir contributes finesse, delicate berry aromas, and a more restrained structure. This combination reflects the region’s style of red wines, which often favor drinkability and approachability. Cabernet Franc is a key red grape in some Loire subregions, but across Touraine as a whole the Gamay/Pinot pairing is the more representative choice. Merlot is more associated with Bordeaux climates, and Sauvignon Blanc is a white grape, so it doesn’t apply to red wines.