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These wines are tender, airy and mellow with a lovely golden appearance.
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The vineyard
Geographical location: The terroirs marked out by this AOC are in well-exposed and ventilated hillside locations that are ideal for harvests of over-ripened grapes and even grapes infected with noble rot.
The zone covers about 180 hectares (450 acres) and as a result of erosion by the Loire and its tributary, the Aubance, forms a cluster of small hillsides, facing a variety of directions, on shallow schist soils. |
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Surface area: 180 ha (450 acres)
Types of soil: Shallow schist.
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The wine
Annual production: Roughly 5,000 hl
Basic yield: 35 hl/ha
Grape varieties: Chenin Blanc (Pineau de la Loire).
Dominant growing practices: Density of 4,500 to 5,000 plants/ha. Double Guyot pruning to 2x3 nodes or gobelet (‘goblet’) pruning to 3x2 nodes.
Technical constraints: Manual harvests carried out in multiple passes to selectively pick grapes that are over-ripened and present high concentration levels, whether or not due to the action of noble rot.
Tasting
Sensory characteristics: Intense appearance, yellow or with glints of green, turning to antique gold with hints of amber.
Subtle and aromatic nose with exotic aromas.
These tender to sweet wines are more supple and airy than those of the Coteaux du Layon (although certain winegrowers do try for maximum concentration). Round on entry with a fairly lively finish.
Serving temperature: 6-8°C
Ageing potential: From 2 to 8 years for medium wines. Beyond 15 years for the most concentrated. |
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