Quarts de Chaume

The Protected Designation of Origin Quarts de Chaume produces sweet white wines and is likely one of the most iconic regions in the Anjou Valley. This AOC ranks among the region’s exceptional terroirs. Traditionally, it represented the finest “quarter” of the harvest from the Chaume terroirs. The appellation’s geographical area is located in a small part of the commune of Rochefort-sur-Loire, about fifteen kilometers southwest of Angers. The vineyard covers a total of approximately 40 hectares situated on Brioverian schist and Carboniferous puddingstone. This appellation benefits from an exceptional and particularly favorable mesoclimate. Indeed, the Layon River forms a wide meander at this point (the Bézigon Valley), which gives rise to morning fogs that promote the development of noble rot. Quarts de Chaume wines were officially recognized as an AOC pursuant to a decree dated August 10, 1954.

The Wines Quarts de Chaume are made exclusively from the Chenin grape variety, also known as Pineau de la Loire, with particularly low average yields that ensure impeccable grape quality. The grapes are harvested by hand, with successive selections of grapes that have reached overripeness and exhibit concentration, whether or not due to the action of noble rot. Production is, of course, extremely limited, reaching a maximum of 600 hectoliters per year.

The Quarts de Chaume wines These wines display a golden-yellow color with greenish highlights, evolving over time to take on an old-gold hue with amber tones. The nose is generally complex, featuring aromas of flowers, white fruits, candied citrus, and exotic fruits, and then evolves over time into notes of precious woods, dried or candied fruits, honey, and toasted almonds. Their well-balanced body often imparts richness and smoothness. The aging potential is at least 10 years and can extend indefinitely for exceptional vintages. Wines of excellence are regularly produced by Château Pierre-Bise, Domaine des Baumard, Domaine de la Bergerie, Château de Varière, and Château Bellerive.

Quarts-de-Chaume wine

In the Anjou Valley, vineyards situated along the banks of the Layon, a tributary of the Loire, produce an exceptional white wine known as Quarts-de-Chaume. It has been cultivated on the hillsides of the town of Rochefort-sur-Loire, in Maine-et-Loire, since the Middle Ages. The vines were planted by an abbess on a hill granted by the local lord, the Hill of Chaume. This feudal right, known as “complant,” allowed a lord to grant land to a tenant so that the tenant could cultivate vines there, in exchange for which the lord received half of the harvest. In exchange for this land, the lord took a quarter of the harvest and the wine production. This custom gave the estate its name, Quarts-de-Chaume.

An exceptional geographical area

The vines that produce Quarts-de-Chaume wine grow on a sun-drenched, south-facing hillside that enjoys a mild, sunny microclimate. The nearby river creates a morning mist that encourages the growth of a fungus, Botrytis, which is responsible for the noble rot. Thanks to the abundant sunshine, the grapes undergo passerillage, a process in which the berries lose water and concentrate their sugars. The vineyard spans some forty hectares and is planted on soil rich in Brioverian schist and puddingstone.

A vintage

These geographical and climatic conditions contribute to making it a wine of superior quality. It was granted AOC status in 1954 and has held the Grand Cru designation since 2011.

Grape variety

Chenin is the only grape variety used in the production of the Quarts-de-Chaume grand cru. Also known as Pineau de la Loire, it originates from the banks of the Loire River, where it has been cultivated since the 11th century. Introduced to Touraine in the 15th century, it was entrusted to the care of the Abbot of Cormery in Mont-Chenin, hence its name.

How to serve Quart-de-Chaume wine

This AOC wine pairs well with shellfish, poultry, or pan-seared foie gras. It goes well with blue-veined cheeses and desserts made with pears, apricots, or almonds.

Bellerive Castle

Located in the heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, Château Bellerive sits on a 12-hectare estate. Its wines are renowned worldwide for their quality and balance, particularly its sweet white wines with their magnificent, shimmering golden hue. Their flavor profile, featuring notes of toasted bread combined with exotic fruits, finishes with a long, fresh aftertaste. First-time tasters often rave about it. Whether vintage or not, its price remains very affordable.