Saumur's tuffeau cellars are home to many secret treasures. The rock here lies at the base of the appellation's soils, which has gradually regained in popularity out over the last few years and is experiencing something of a revival since some wine-makers have been pushed to the forefront. Saumur-Champigny produces exclusively red, fruity and generally light wines over nine municipalities based on Cabernet Franc (or Breton). Local producers questioned the AOC label, resulting in signficant changes and therefore reduced yields and longer ageing processes, which now means more concentrated wines that are better suited to ageing.
The appellation stretches to the east of Saumur, on the hills around Champingy. More specifically, the area encompasses the municipalities of Chacé, Dampierre sur Loire, Montsoreau, Parnay, Saint Cyr en Bourg, Saumur, Souzay-Champigny, Turquant and Varrains, where the Thouet and the Loire's left bank meet. In addition to a majority of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d'Aunis are also to be found.Saumur-Champigny's defining characteristic resides in the clay-limestone richness of its soil and the presence of an under layer of tuffeau rock. This upper cretaceous limestone absorbs winter rainfall and gradually restores the water during periods of drought. The other advantage of this soil type is its ability to trap solar heat by day to release it at night.