Atlas de la France vinicole - Les vins des côteaux de la Loire - Côteaux de Touraine 1946

The 1946 map Atlas de la France Vinicole - Les Vins des Côteaux de la Loire: Côteaux de Touraine, created by the esteemed cartographer Louis Larmat and printed by Dorel in Paris, provides a visually intricate exploration of one of the Loire Valley’s most charming and varied wine regions. Part of Larmat’s widely celebrated Atlas de la France Vinicole series, this map offers a meticulous representation of the Côteaux de Touraine, known for producing wines that embody the diversity and richness of the Loire’s terroir. Through his use of precise geographic detail and artful design, Larmat captures both the visual and cultural landscape of this renowned region, making his maps as valuable to wine historians and collectors as they are to art enthusiasts.

Louis Larmat’s skill lies in his ability to blend topographical accuracy with aesthetic beauty, a characteristic that has made his Atlas de la France Vinicole a classic reference for French wine regions. His attention to the intricacies of each landscape results in maps that go beyond simple cartographic documentation to become historical artifacts in their own right. In depicting the Côteaux de Touraine, Larmat combines the elements of vineyard geography, climate, and tradition to illustrate the Loire Valley’s role as a central player in France’s winemaking history.

The Côteaux de Touraine stretches across the banks of the Loire River, encompassing a diverse range of soils, microclimates, and elevations that contribute to the unique character of the wines produced there. Larmat’s map carefully illustrates these features, with distinct markings that denote vineyard locations and the topographical features that impact the terroir. The region’s mixture of chalk, limestone, and clay soils, all of which are ideal for growing a variety of grape types, is subtly emphasized in Larmat’s cartographic style, highlighting the geological diversity that defines Touraine wines.

Famous for producing everything from crisp white wines and fruity reds to elegant rosés, the Côteaux de Touraine appellation represents the versatility of Loire Valley wines. Larmat’s map brings this diversity to life by marking areas associated with specific grape varieties: Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gamay thrive here, each producing wines that reflect the Loire’s mineral-rich soils and cool climate. The proximity of the Loire River, carefully depicted on the map, plays a significant role in the region’s viticulture, moderating the climate and adding a unique freshness and acidity to the wines. This river, both a physical and cultural landmark, is a vital component in Larmat’s portrayal of the region, reinforcing its importance to the wines’ distinctive taste profile.

In addition to showcasing vineyard sites, the map highlights key communes and villages within the Côteaux de Touraine, rooting the region’s wines in a broader historical and cultural context. Larmat’s attention to place names and geographic markers creates a sense of connection between the landscape and the traditions that have shaped Touraine winemaking for centuries. The Loire Valley’s winemaking heritage, with its medieval origins and deep-rooted traditions, is thus subtly woven into the map’s design, lending it a sense of timelessness that resonates with collectors and historians.

The typography and layout on the map reflect a dedication to both clarity and style, with the appellation name Côteaux de Touraine prominently displayed in an elegant typeface that speaks to the sophistication of the region. The choice of soft, earthy colors and intricate hatching techniques enhances the map’s vintage appeal, creating a warm aesthetic that invites the viewer to explore every detail. This careful design by Larmat and Dorel not only communicates practical information but also evokes the pastoral beauty and historical resonance of the Loire Valley.

Printed in the years immediately following World War II, this map embodies a period of cultural rejuvenation and renewed appreciation for French heritage, particularly within the wine industry. Larmat’s atlas contributed to the national movement to reclaim and celebrate the richness of French terroir. The map of Côteaux de Touraine stands as a product of this era, symbolizing the resilience of France’s wine culture and its enduring influence on the global stage. In this context, Larmat’s work transcends cartography, becoming an emblem of France’s dedication to preserving and honoring its vinicultural legacy.

Today, the 1946 Côteaux de Touraine map by Louis Larmat is highly prized by collectors, oenophiles, and anyone drawn to the intersection of art and history. It serves not only as a historical record of the wine-producing lands of Touraine but also as a celebration of the Loire Valley’s lasting impact on French wine. The map’s fine details, historical context, and geographical insight make it a cherished artifact that bridges the worlds of art, wine, and history.

In essence, Louis Larmat’s Côteaux de Touraine map from his Atlas de la France Vinicole is a testament to the beauty and complexity of the Loire Valley’s terroir. Its detailed illustration of the Côteaux de Touraine reflects a deep respect for the land and its wines, inviting viewers to appreciate both the artistry of winemaking and the elegance of vintage cartography.

Original Poster

Alcohol - Map - Maine-et-Loire - France

Dorel - Paris

Good condition, original folds