Coteaux-du-Layon

The vineyards of the Coteaux -du -Layon is located in the Anjou and is therefore part of the Loire wine region. In this appeal arise solely slightly fruity sweet wines. The zone has since 18 February 1950 ( Decree modified on 12 February 2003 and on October 7, 2003) on the status of a Appellation d' Origine ( AOC short ). The area has a vineyard area of ​​about 1250 hectares and is located approximately 20 kilometers southwest of Angers. The vineyards are on slopes of 25 towns along the river Layon between Nueil and Chalonnes- sur -Loire.

The wine is made from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes. At Layon forms in the autumn mist, which favors an infestation of berries with Botrytis cinerea and leads to noble rot. The berries must be manually obtained in several crop transitions. Of course, this effort has its price. A bottle costs normally between 10-15 € / bottle ( 2005).

In the communes of Beaulieu -sur- Layon Faye- d'Anjou, Rablay -sur- Layon Rochefort- sur -Loire, Saint- Aubin -de- Luigné and Saint-Lambert -du- Lattay prevail particularly good conditions. The municipalities must declare their name on the label.

The wines may be with the quality label Beerenauslese ( sélection de grains nobles ) provided, if the sugar content in the mash 294 grams / liter. Normally 221 grams for a simple Coteaux -du -Layon and 238 grams in the privileged communities are required in any case.

The best locations in the area were given their own appellations. It is adjacent to the territories Bonnezeaux, Chaume, as well as the pure south-facing slopes in Chaume, the Quarts -de- Chaume.

The legal documents of the individual appellations differ as follows.

Storage of wine

The Coteaux -du -Layon wines have an amazing shelf life. Good vintages can safely spend 20 years in the cellar, the best vintages can have a life expectancy of up to 100 years.