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

The 1946 map titled Atlas de la France Vinicole - Les Vins des Côteaux de la Loire: Vouvray by Louis Larmat, printed by Dorel in Paris, presents an intimate exploration of one of the Loire Valley's most revered wine regions. Part of Larmat’s distinguished Atlas de la France Vinicole, this map celebrates the Vouvray appellation, renowned worldwide for its exceptional Chenin Blanc wines. Larmat's work combines geographical accuracy with artistic elegance, making his maps both invaluable to wine professionals and collectors and visually captivating as standalone artworks.

Louis Larmat’s expertise in blending cartography with aesthetic detail is exemplified in this Vouvray map, which is marked by precision and an understanding of viticulture. Known for creating comprehensive representations of France’s wine-producing regions, Larmat's Atlas de la France Vinicole series has remained a classic in wine mapping, offering a historical and practical view into the winemaking landscape of France. Each map serves as a testament to the profound impact of terroir on wine, highlighting the geographical and climatic factors that shape each vineyard’s unique character.

The Vouvray region, situated on the northern bank of the Loire River near the city of Tours, has long been celebrated for its Chenin Blanc wines. On this map, Larmat provides an intricate depiction of the vineyards spread across the hills and plateaus that define this area. The Vouvray terroir, consisting primarily of limestone and flinty soils, is ideally suited for Chenin Blanc, a grape that thrives in the mineral-rich soils and cool climate of the Loire Valley. This map artfully illustrates the terrain, with its gently rolling slopes and river proximity, both of which are crucial to the delicate balance of acidity and ripeness in Vouvray wines.

Vouvray is unique among Loire appellations for its versatility in wine styles. Larmat’s map emphasizes the diversity within the region, showcasing the vineyards where various expressions of Chenin Blanc are produced, including sparkling, dry, semi-dry, and sweet wines. This versatility is largely due to the temperate climate and the natural ability of Chenin Blanc to adapt to different growing conditions, allowing winemakers to create wines that range from crisp and lively to richly honeyed and age-worthy. The Loire River’s moderating influence is evident in Larmat’s careful representation of its course, which brings a steady, cooling effect to the region’s vineyards, crucial for balancing acidity in the grapes.

The vineyards are marked with great attention to detail, providing insight into the precise locations of plots within the Vouvray appellation. Larmat’s keen eye for detail extends to illustrating the region's microclimates, which subtly shift across the landscape, affecting the wine's flavor profile and style. The map’s soft earth tones and delicate hatching bring life to these rolling vineyard hills, making it not only a practical resource but also a tribute to the natural beauty of Vouvray.

Larmat’s choice to emphasize the river and the varied elevations highlights the significance of these elements to Vouvray's distinctive terroir. This focus serves as an homage to Vouvray’s winemaking history, which dates back to the medieval period when monks first began cultivating the vineyards. Larmat’s depiction of these historically significant lands suggests an appreciation for the cultural legacy that surrounds French wine regions, particularly those as cherished as Vouvray.

The carefully rendered typography on the map reads Vouvray, emphasizing the appellation’s prominence within the Loire Valley and French winemaking as a whole. The map not only showcases the specific vineyards but also underscores the important communes and hamlets associated with the production of Vouvray wine, grounding it in its local context. The attention to typographic elegance and placement highlights the quality of craftsmanship in both the map’s content and presentation, while the text bearing Dorel's printing stamp adds historical authenticity to this piece.

Printed in post-World War II France, this map also reflects a period of cultural renewal and celebration of French heritage, especially within the world of wine. In the aftermath of the war, France saw a resurgence in its commitment to preserving and promoting its vinicultural traditions. The publication of Larmat’s atlas was part of this larger cultural movement, supporting France’s reclamation of its place as a leader in fine wine production and appreciation. The map serves as a historical artifact from this era, a time when France’s wine industry was once again on the rise.

Today, Louis Larmat’s 1946 map of Les Vins des Côteaux de la Loire: Vouvray is highly valued by wine enthusiasts, historians, and collectors. Its significance extends beyond its utility as a geographical reference, as it provides a snapshot of the post-war French wine landscape and a celebration of Vouvray’s terroir and winemaking legacy. Larmat’s meticulous artistry and the historical context captured in this map make it a cherished piece in collections dedicated to French wine culture.

In summary, this 1946 Vouvray map by Louis Larmat is an enduring tribute to the beauty and legacy of the Loire Valley’s winemaking tradition. It captures the distinctive terroir of Vouvray in vivid detail, offering both practical insights into vineyard locations and a visually compelling narrative of the region’s wine culture.

Original Poster

Alcohol - Map - Maine-et-Loire - France

Dorel - Paris

Good condition, original folds