Coteaux du Layon AOC

The Layon is a tributary of the Loire. The geographical area of the AOC extends along this river on communes, among which only 6 earned the fame of the appellation (Faye d'Anjou, Beaulieu sur Layon, Rochefort sur Loire, Saint Aubin de Luigné, Saint Lambert du Lattay and Rablay sur Layon) The appellation produces sweet or syrupy white wines, from the Chenin grape variety harvested by hand, when over-ripe. Harvested by successive manual sortings, the grapes are selected for sugar concentration under the influence of noble rot. It is the old vines sheltered from the wind that produce the greatest wines, these Coteaux du Layon are reputed to be tender and smooth. Aromas of honey, dried apricot, exotic fruits, bergamot... their aromatic richness is infinitely varied. Excellent wines for ageing, they can be kept for 5 years and up to 40 years for the best vintages. Gastronomic wines for sure!

COTEAUX DU LAYON BESTSELLERS

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THE CHENIN GRAPE VARIETY

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ALL OUR WINES FROM THE LOIRE

SHALL WE TASTE?
In the Glass

vin blanc liquoreux moelleux Coteaux du Layon

SWEET OR SYRUPY WHITES

Colour : Golden colour with green tones. With age, it takes on a sumptuous amber colour with orange highlights. On the sides of the glass the generous tears flow slowly, a sign of a high residual sugar content.

Nose : Exquisite and varied bouquet. Aromas of white flowers (hawthorn) and white fruit (peach, pear). Nuances that vary greatly according to the terroir: citrus peel, exotic fruits (guava, mango) and dried fruits (apricot, fig) and sometimes even mineral notes (iodine). When ripe, the floral nuances fade away, giving way to aromas of candied fruit, bergamot, honey and rare notes of precious wood essence (orange tree wood, Indian wood). An exquisite note of exoticism!

Mouth : Nice balance between mellow (sweet) and acidic (fresh) flavours. The aromas reveal themselves on the palate with a touch of liquorice. A myriad of flavours calling for the most refined dishes.

Service temperature: To be decanted (if a mature wine) and served chilled at 8°C

Cellaring potential : 5 to 40 years for the best vintages

FOOD / WINE PAIRING
Coteaux du Layon and cuisine

SWEET OR SYRUPY WHITES

Young : White meat in sauce. Fatty fish. Blue-veined cheeses (Roquefort, Fourme d'Ambert, Bleu des Causses). Fruity desserts (pear, apple, peach, apricot, mango) or frangipane-based desserts.

More mature : Aperitif, foie gras, blue-veined cheeses. Desserts.

LEARN MORE
Interesting things from the Layon

Fine wine from the Loire :

Chenin: the root of all pleasure

In the Loire Valley, Chenin is the grape variety that produces dry white wines, sweet and sparkling white wines. It is especially the dry and sweet white wines that are renowned. For the Côteaux du Layon, it can be harvested in "Sélection Grains Noble" giving a sweet white wine of exquisite finesse.

Coteau du Layon, a sweet nectar

The Layon vineyard is sheltered from the oceanic humidity thanks to the Mauges and Choletais reliefs. Implanted on shallow, stony soils, the vines on the hillsides heat up easily to encourage the ripening of the grapes. The climate and topography are favourable for the development of noble rot due to the fungus "Botritys Cinarea". The skin of the grape turns brown-violet, then withers. The grapes are then said to be "roasted". Not all the bunches reach this stage at the same time, which is why it is necessary to harvest by consecutive sortings, picking only those grapes that are ready. The harvest is then spread out from September to the beginning of November. Important changes take place in the composition of the fruit affected by the noble rot, in particular a high concentration of sugar and a reduction in acidity. The fermentation of the wine from these over-ripe grapes is very slow, from several weeks to several months. During this time, a large quantity of glycerine appears, which gives the wine a remarkable smoothness. Topping and racking operations are frequent and the wine is generally bottled 3 years after the harvest. The difficult and long winemaking conditions make sweet and syrupy whites rare wines and truly exceptional nectars. It should be noted that a syrupy wine has an even higher sugar content than a sweet wine. Coteau du Layon wines are great for the festive season!