Coteaux du Layon

The vineyard covers approximately 1,400 hectares, with an annual production of around 40,000 hectoliters. The terroir consists of terraces typical of the Armorican basement, composed of schist and sandstone, as well as the shallow, dark brown soils (with bedrock outcropping) of the Anjou Noir region. The climate is temperate oceanic and particularly dry. The designated areas correspond to well-exposed and well-ventilated hillsides that promote early vegetation growth (a microclimate in which Mediterranean vegetation thrives) and consistently yield overripe grapes. 

The appellation Slopes of the Layon produces sweet wines and sweet, made from the grape variety Chenin, with an aromatic richness that knows no bounds. It also requires manual harvesting in successive passes of grapes that have reached overripeness and exhibit concentration, whether or not due to noble rot. The resulting wines should be decanted and served very chilled at 8°C to allow their flavors to unfold. They can be aged for 5 years to several decades, or even a century in exceptional vintages. Such wines may be offered by the Pierre-Bise Castle, the Domaine des Sablonnettes or the La Roulerie Castle.

Wine Description

This is a sweet, syrupy, and fruity white wine made from Chenin Blanc—known as Chenin B—which is distinguished by being overripe. It has earned its place at the finest tables, and its presence in haute cuisine is well deserved. It pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, such as foie gras, thanks to its honeyed flavors, the Coteaux-du-Layon white wine has very specific storage requirements. It should be stored at a temperature between 11 and 13 degrees Celsius, preferably in a wine cabinet, and served at 8 degrees. It is all the more important to control the humidity in which the bottle of Coteaux-du-Layon is stored. With a golden hue verging on green and even taking on coppery highlights with age, its sparkling color is captivating. It can be aged for five to twenty years, or even longer for the finest bottles and vintages. The Coteaux du Layon Award ranges from 10 euros to 40 euros per bottle.

Geography and Climate

Produced along the banks of the Layon River, Coteaux du Layon benefits from a distinctive climate that gives it its unique characteristics. Located in the Armorican Massif, the geological conditions—soils rich in schist and minerals—along with cool winds allow the grapes to overripen, which defines the very essence of the wine and gives it its full flavor. The generally mild and warm climate contrasts with rainy winters, which contribute to the ripening of the grapes. Thus, the bottle captures a true clash between continental and oceanic climates. Total annual production amounts to just over five million bottles, which are sold throughout Europe.

A little history

Coteaux du Layon is a white wine of Anjou, in the Loire region. It has been an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) since 1950 and encompasses 27 neighboring municipalities, covering just under 1,500 hectares and bordering the Château de Châlonnes. It all began in the 17th century when the Dutch settlers in the area decided to purchase this wine. Thanks to these exchanges and investments, the wine became known and appreciated for its true worth, eventually becoming part of France’s rich culinary heritage. However, the production and continued existence of this wine were threatened during the War in the Vendée, which destroyed part of the harvests, the land, and the work of many men and women. At the end of the 19th century, the vineyards also suffered from an infestation of phylloxera, a small but particularly devastating insect.