Which of the following is a key grape variety of the Saumur AC?

The key grape variety of the Saumur AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) is Chenin Blanc. This variety thrives in the Loire Valley, including the Saumur region, where it is renowned for producing high-quality white wines. Chenin Blanc is particularly versatile, capable of expressing a range of styles, from dry to sweet, and it often showcases bright acidity, floral aromatics, and notes of apple, pear, and honey.

While other grape varieties like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir are important in various wine regions, they do not have the same prominence in Saumur as Chenin Blanc does. Chardonnay is more associated with regions like Burgundy and Champagne; Merlot is a key varietal in Bordeaux, and Pinot Noir is primarily linked to regions such as Burgundy and Champagne as well. Therefore, Chenin Blanc is the defining grape of the Saumur AC, which reflects the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of the area.