The appellation lies as an enclave within the Anjou area on the right bank of the Loire in the department of Maine-et-Loire (France). Already founded by the Celts, the eponymous commune was named "Saponaria" by the Romans in 50 BC after the soap herbs that grew there, from which the current name is derived. The wine was already famous at the time of Napoleon (1769-1821), but was sweet at that time. The vineyards cover around 140 hectares in the three municipalities of Bouchemaine, La Possonnières and Savennières. The slate and red sand soils lend a special character to the white wines, which are now mainly made from Chenin Bl anc and dry.
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