Quarts de Chaume

The controlled designation of origin Quarts de Chaume produces sweet white wines and is probably one of the most iconic appellations in the Anjou Valley. This AOC ranks among the most exceptional terroirs. It traditionally corresponded to the best "quarter" of the harvest from the Chaume terroirs. The geographical area of the appellation is located on a small part of the commune of Rochefort-sur-Loire, about fifteen kilometers southwest of Angers. The vineyard covers a total of around 40 hectares located on Brioverian schist and Carboniferous puddingstone. This appellation benefits from an exceptional and particularly favorable mesoclimate. Indeed, at this point, the Layon river forms a large meander (the Bézigon valley), which causes morning fog that promotes the development of noble rot. Quarts de Chaume wines were granted AOC status in accordance with a decree dated August 10, 1954.

The wines Quarts de Chaume are made exclusively from Chenin grapes, also known as Pineau de la Loire, with particularly low average yields, promoting impeccable berry quality. The grapes are harvested by hand and undergo successive sorting to select those that are overripe and have a high concentration of sugar, whether or not this is due to noble rot. Production is obviously extremely limited, peaking at 600 hectoliters per year.

The Quarts de Chaume wines They have a golden yellow color with green highlights, evolving over time to old gold with amber highlights. The nose is generally complex, with aromas of flowers, white fruits, candied citrus fruits, and exotic fruits, then evolving over time to notes of precious wood, dried or candied fruits, honey, and toasted almonds. Their well-balanced liquor often brings richness and smoothness. The aging potential is a minimum of 10 years and can be immeasurable for fine vintages. Excellent wines 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 located on the banks of the Layon, a tributary of the Loire, produce an exceptional white wine, Quarts-de-Chaume. It has been cultivated on the slopes of the commune of Rochefort-sur-Loire, in Maine-et-Loire, since the Middle Ages. The vines were planted by an abbess on a hill allocated by the local lord, the hill of Chaume. This feudal right, known as complant, allowed a lord to give land to a tenant farmer to cultivate vines, in return for half of the harvest. In return for this land, the lord took a quarter of the harvest and wine production. This custom gave the vineyard its name, Quarts-de-Chaume.

An exceptional geographical area

The vines producing Quarts-de-Chaume wine grow on a sun-drenched hillside facing south, benefiting from a mild and sunny microclimate. The presence of the river creates a morning mist that encourages the growth of a fungus, botrytis, which is responsible for the noble rot. Thanks to the sunshine, the grapes undergo passerillage, a process whereby the berries lose water and become concentrated in sugars. The vineyard covers around forty hectares and is planted on soil rich in Brioverian schist and puddingstone sandstone.

A great vintage

These geographical and climatic conditions contribute to making it a wine of superior quality. It became an AOC in 1954 and has deserved the grand cru appellation since 2011.

Grape variety

Chenin is the only grape variety used in the production of 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. It arrived in Touraine in the 15th century and 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-fried foie gras. It can be enjoyed with blue cheeses and desserts made with pears, apricots, or almonds.

Bellerive Castle

In the heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, Château Bellerive is located on a 12-hectare estate. Its wines are renowned worldwide for their quality and balance, and its sweet white wines have a magnificent golden, shimmering color. Their taste of toast combined with exotic fruits finishes with a long, fresh note. Customers tasting it for the first time often give it rave reviews. Whether vintage or not, its price remains very affordable.