A white grape variety prized by wine professionals, Chenin's versatility enables winemakers to produce bubbly, dry and sweet wines in a wide variety of styles. Today, many Loire appellations are world-renowned for their moelleux wines, which have great ageing potential and can be enjoyed from aperitif to dessert.
Laetitia Gautheron
As well as being a " terroir ferryman ", Chenin stands out for its ability to accurately transcribe the diversity of vintages. With its long vegetative cycle, it remains closely dependent on the climatic conditions that follow the traditional harvest dates. Depending on the year, the winemaker may choose to wait, or not, in order to naturally concentrate the grape berries in sugar and produce sweet or syrupy wines.
Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru, Les Zersilles Maria Juby 2018 - Domaine Patrick Baudouin
This wine takes us far and fast with its complex aromas of apricot and candied citrus zest, quince, fig, spice and honey. Notes of white flowers add a touch of elegance to a texture that is both fleshy and silky. Dried mango, vanilla and sweet spices are added on the palate, in a bewitching whole that remains energetic.
Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru Quarts 2021 - Domaine Belargus
This wine expresses a great balance between sugar and acidity, which gives it great energy. Initially warm, with aromas of leather, baked apple, marshmallow and melon. On the palate, it's suave and velvety, while retaining tension with notes of yuzu and kumquat. The white pepper finish leaves you wide awake.
Coteaux du Layon 1er Cru Chaume Le Chaume 2018 - Domaine FL
A beautiful, intense gold color, followed by a complex, expressive nose blending acacia honey, jasmine, mirabelle plum, pineapple and sandalwood. The palate is generous and enveloping, with a balance between sweetness and freshness. Aromas are sustained by candied fruit, clementine, pepper and white truffle, adding elegance. A saline note underpins a mouth-watering, lively finish. A wine that will keep for a very long time.
The wine evolves with lovely aromas of morel mushroom and truffle, enhanced by notes of fig, plum brandy and black tea. On the palate, the undergrowth is still present, but the texture is delicate and refreshing. Very airy. Dried fruit, honey, nutmeg and a saline finish for a wine that will be greatly appreciated at the table, especially with roasted white meat. Excellent value for money.
Coteaux du Layon Les Demoiselles 2021 - Château de la Calonnière
After aeration, the wine is greedy, with notes of pear and almond tart, passion fruit, vanilla and cinnamon. On the palate, cinnamon returns with caramelized pineapple and fig. A rich aroma accompanies an elegant texture and a beautiful tension due to its youth.
Coteaux du Layon Chaume 1er Cru 2019 - Château Soucherie
A lightly toasted, truffled nose introduces this delicate wine with aromas of lime, rosewater and brioche. The palate is suave and enveloping without being heavy, with notes of orange blossom flan, ginger and white flowers. elegant and balanced.
Coteaux du Layon Vieilles Vignes 2023 - Château de Brossay
Still a young wine, its sugar will only melt with time and find the ideal balance with a good food and wine pairing, but it's already very enjoyable now. Complex and expressive, with notes of clementine, quince paste, gingerbread and orange. Good length for an affordable wine with potential.
Bonnezeaux Chenin 2023 - Domaine des Petits Quarts
An amber color and a discreet nose revealing aromas of dried flowers, sandalwood, clementine zest and light undergrowth. The palate is equally discreet, revealing a lovely blend of fresh and dried fruit notes. The balance is pleasant, with a dynamic lime finish.
Coteaux de l'Aubance, Vignes blanches 2024 - Domaine des Deux Moulins
The nose is fresh and pleasant, with white fruit and white flowers (elderberry) combined with a touch of honey. The balance between sugar and acidity is elegant, with a hint of saltiness. A long finish, ideal with Roquefort cheese or, why not, duck rillettes.
Coteaux du Layon Faye La Placette 2023 - Domaine Leblanc - Les Closserons
The amber-orange color and nose show signs of evolution, with aromas of nuts, honey, currants and undergrowth. on tasting, however, there's still plenty of freshness. Notes of coffee and dried apricot harmonize with a lovely acidity that adds dynamism. The tobacco and honey finish is greedy but not heavy.
Bonnezeaux Étienne Jadeau 2024 - Domaine de la Gauterie
This enveloping wine retains a beautiful light. It starts with a comforting side of mountain honey, roasted pineapple and dried rose aromas, followed by spices, white pepper and quince that give it a nice dynamic. Still young, it will refine with time.
A light color and a very fresh nose introduce this wine with hints of fresh grapes, grapefruit zest and clementine. On the palate, it retains the lightness we had guessed from the eye and nose, with notes of citrus and white fruit and a fresh texture. The zesty finish brings a lovely bitterness.
