The monks played a key role in developing the vines here, with each monastery having its own enclosed plot of vineyards. When Henry II became King of England in 1154, the wines of Anjou were served at court during his reign, as well as under his successors. All of France's and England's monarchs thus contributed to almost a thousand years of promoting the reputation of Val de Loire wines. Under this influence, the vineyard crept from the banks of the Loire towards its tributaries in the 16th and 17th centuries. The AOC Anjou appellation stretches across 128 municipalities in Maine-et-Loire, 14 in Deux-Sèvres and 9 in Vienne. This regional AOC encompasses a number of sub-regional and municipal AOCs. The white grape varieties here are Chenin or Pineau de la Loire, with the addition of Chardonnay and Sauvignon (up to a maximum of 20%). As for the reds, Cabernet Francs and Sauvignon are present here, as are Gamay and Pineau d'Aunis. It boasts a well-defined golden hue, a concentrated nose of honey and apricot notes or more floral aromas (depending on the whether or not Sauvignon and/or Chardonnay is included). It is fine and creamy on the palate.