Sweet Wines
Our very best elegant and fine wine, good to enjoy on special events.
Vineyard
The vines are located upon the Mailles'hill, above Chanzé Castle in Bellevigne-en-Layon (Faye d'Anjou). It is a very specific parcel above the Layon river, which allows the fog to lean on the vines on autumn mornings . Sun and wind help the grapes mature in an ideal way to give their best at the harvest period.
To benefit from the Villages designation, the vines have to be part of the estate locality.
The soils are made of schist. The only grape used in the making of this wine is the Chenin Blanc.
Harvest
The grapes are handpicked , mandatory to benefit from the Coteaux du Layon designation.
The harvest period is normally set in October, but that can be later until the beginning of November if the grapes aren''t ready.
Chenin has to be overripped when picked up and shows a purple colour. It also develops noble rot due to humidity in order to be concentrated in sugar.
We also call this raisined grapes due to the wind. We need to sort out grapes several times in the same parcels to pick up the best fruits. The grapes are then put in bukets and these buckets poured in a dump truck vehicle. The dump truck vehicle gently brings the grapes to the winepress trying no to loose any juice. The grapes are slightly pressed before that the juice reaches the vats.
Winemaking
The dump truck vehicle gently brings the grapes to the winepress trying no to loose any juice.
The grapes are slightly pressed before that the juice reaches the vats. This wine is a limited production due to the small numer of vines in this parcel.
The fermentation and ageing process are taking place in oak barrels for 6 to 8 months. The barrels bring strenght and character to the wine.
At the end of the ageing process, we are going to blend the different barrels together to obtain the best harmonious sweet wine.
The bottling will be done 6 to 8 months after the harvest, depending on the quality of the wine.
Duration: 10 to 20 years
Tasting
Sweet white wine. Brilliant and golden colour, earning deeper tints of gold while ageing. The wine texture is thicker and denser due to the high rate of sugar in the bottle.
Aromatic notes of exotic fruits, acacia and quince on the nose. On the palate, aromas of honey and riped fruits varying over the years while ageing. Scent of figs and grapes dried in the sun.
Tasting temperature: 6°C to 8°C
Sommelier's advice:
This sweet wine is to enjoy fresh between 6°C and 8°C. It will be perfect as an appetizer or on cold starters as foie gras. Best pairing with duck for main course, blue cheese or goat cheese will be softened after your course. For your desert, nice touch of sweetness to end your meal.
