All about Coteaux du Layon 1er Cru Chaume
AOC Coteaux du Layon 1er cru chaume is a sweet wine, made from the Chenin Blanc grape variety, produced in the Layon valley in Anjou. Situated on chalky-clay slopes, this appellation is renowned for its rich, complex golden wines, with notes of candied fruit and honey.
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Key figures
Figures based on average harvests over the last 5 years
.70
Ha1.2k
Hl160k
Bottles25
hl/ha in yield20
Producers
Origins
History
Dutch merchants were responsible for developing the vineyards on the banks of the Layon from 1579 onwards, as the high alcoholic degrees achieved (16-17% vol.) enabled better preservation during travel.
In addition, these wines corresponded to the tastes of Northern European consumers, and only their high quality (and therefore price) enabled them to withstand the export tax via Brittany. The harvesting of botrytized bunches by successive selections has been recorded since the 18th century.
Presentation
The Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru appellation area is located on a small part of a single commune on the right bank of the Layon: Rochefort-sur- Loire. The vines are located in the "tènement de chaume" parcel production area.
Soil and climate
Soils: Shale and sandstone terraces of the Armorican basement: shallow brown soils (outcropping bedrock) of Anjou noir.
Climate: Dominating the Quarts de Chaume area in the extension of the hillside, the soils develop on the same Carboniferous powdery sandstone, but also on volcanic rock (spilite) and Ordovician shale. The mesoclimate favors over-ripening and botrytization of the grapes.
Cultivation methods
The cultivation methods of the AOC Coteaux du Layon 1er cru chaume are specific to guarantee the quality of its sweet wines.
Yields are strictly limited (25 to 30 hl/ha) to maximize quality.
The winemakers practice manual harvesting in successive selections to select grapes affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), essential for sugar and aroma concentration.
In addition, particular attention is paid to soil management, with environmentally-friendly practices to preserve biodiversity and the quality of the terroir.
Terroir and wines
Schist and sandstone terraces of the Armorican basement: shallow, brown soils (outcropping parent rock) of Anjou noir.
Climate: Dominating the Quarts de Chaume area in the extension of the hillside, the soils develop on the same Carboniferous pudding sandstones, but also on volcanic rock (spilite) and Ordovician schists.
The mesoclimate favors overripening and botrytization of the grapes.