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Coteaux du Layon

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Coteaux du Layon
From 1579 onwards, Dutch wine merchants were responsible for developing the vineyards on the banks of the Layon, as the high alcohol content (16-17% vol.) made them easier to preserve during travel. What's more, these wines matched the tastes of the Dutch clientele, and it was only their high quality (and therefore price) that enabled them to withstand the export tax via Brittany. The harvesting of botrytized grapes by successive selections has been recorded since the 18th century. The appellation d'origine contrôlée Coteaux du Layon The appellation area covers 27 communes in Maine-et-Loire along the Layon river, a small tributary of the Loire. In particular, the appellation distinguishes the communes of Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Faye-d'Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay. THE AOC Coteaux du Layon wines was recognized by a decree dated February 18, 1950. 

The vineyard covers around 1,400 hectares, with annual production approaching 40,000 hectolitres. The terroir is composed of typical Armorican schist and sandstone terraces, the shallow brown soils (outcropping bedrock) of Anjou Noir. The climate is temperate oceanic and particularly dry. The demarcated areas correspond to well-exposed, well-ventilated slopes that favor early vegetation (a microclimate in which Mediterranean vegetation thrives) and systematically produce over-ripe grapes. 

The appellation Coteaux du Layon produces mellow wines and sweet wines, made from CheninThe aromatic richness of these wines is infinite. The grapes are harvested by hand, in successive selections, when they have reached over-ripeness and are concentrated by the action or absence of noble rot. The wines produced should be decanted and served chilled at 8°C to allow them to evolve. They can be kept from 5 years to several decades, or even a century in fine vintages. Such crus can be offered by Château Pierre-BiseDomaine des Sablonnettes or the Château de la Roulerie.

Wine description

This is a fruity, sweet or syrupy white wine made from Chenin blanc, known as Chenin B, which has the particularity of being overripe. It has earned a place at the finest tables, and its presence in haute gastronomy is well deserved. A perfect match for dishes such as foie gras, thanks to its honeyed flavors, Chenin Blanc is a perfect match for a variety of dishes. Coteaux-du-Layon white wine has very specific storage criteria. It should be kept between 11 and 13 degrees Celsius, preferably in an ageing cabinet, and enjoyed at eight degrees. It is even more important to control the humidity in which the bottle of Coteaux-du-Layon is kept. Golden-green in color, with coppery highlights with age, its sparkling color is seductive. It can be kept for between five and twenty years, and even longer for larger bottles and harvests. Coteaux du Layon price ranges from 10 euros to 40 euros a bottle.

Territory and climate

Produced on the banks of the Layon river, Coteaux du Layon benefits from a special climate that gives it its unique characteristics. Situated on the Armorican Massif, the geological conditions (schist- and mineral-rich soils) and cool winds allow the grapes to over-ripen, giving the wine its very characteristics and flavor. The mild, warm climate contrasts with rainy winters, which help ripen the grapes. So it's a real clash between continental and oceanic climates that finds its way into the bottle. Total annual production is just over five million bottles, sold throughout Europe.

A little history

Coteaux du Layon is a white wine d'Anjouin the Loire region. It has been an appellation d'origine contrôlée since 1950, covering 27 neighboring communes, just under 1,500 hectares and bordering the Château de Châlonnes. It all began in the 17th century, when the local Dutch decided to buy the wine. Thanks to these exchanges and investments, the wine came to be known and appreciated for its true worth, eventually becoming part of France's rich culinary heritage. However, the production and perpetuation of this wine was weakened by the Vendée war, which destroyed part of the harvest, the land and the work of many men and women. At the end of the 19th century, the vines also suffered from the proliferation of phylloxera, a particularly devastating little insect.

More information on the Coteaux du Layon

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Domaine des Deux Vallées - Coteaux du Layon Clos de la Motte 2023 (Liquoreux) 50cl

2*Coup de Coeur Hachette

gourmet
ample
candied fruit
foie gras

"A great liquoreux for pleasure and sharing, a superb success!"

"A Favorite to add to a very long list for the Socheleau family, specialists in Anjou sweets. This liquoreux immediately seduces with its devilishly gourmand aromas of stewed and overripe fruit, fig, date and apricot in particular. On the palate, the wine is rich, fat, full-bodied and complex, but never heavy, with a lovely mentholated freshness and remarkable persistence. A great pleasure wine to share, now and in the decade to come". (Le Guide Hachette des Vins 2025).

Domaine du Petit Clocher- Coteaux du Layon Nascentia Victoria blanc 2022

2*Coup de Coeur Hachette

foie gras
liquoreux
superb
holidays

"Magnificent sweetness that brings out the wine's exoticism. Exemplary balance and freshness".

"Inaugurating the domaine's new range, this recently created cuvée from schist terroirs adds a new distinction to an impressive list of Favorites. It is made from 100% botrytis, vinified and aged in barrels for one year. The result is a beautiful liquoreux with an intense nose of dried fruit, ripe grapes, prunes, dates and honey, and great concentration, volume and structure, with the freshness that ensures balance. A powerful, expressive and long Layon, built to last". (Le Guide Hachette 2025).

Château de la Roulerie - Coteaux du Layon 2022 (moelleux)

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3.8/5 (4 reviews)

94/100 Buyer's selection

chenin
elegant
exotic fruits
foie gras
liquoreux
holidays

"Top quality/price

Hand-harvested Chenin produces this lovely Coteaux du Layon, a typical sweet wine that combines aromas of very stewed ripe fruit and notes of citrus peel with nuances of exotic wood and tobacco. An expression of exotic fruit on the palate, with a lively, elegant minerality and superb freshness. A Layon of rare elegance!

Château Pierre Bise - Coteaux du Layon Beaulieu 2020

Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5

3.5/5 (2 reviews)

chenin
mineral
desserts
blue-veined cheese
cheeses
soft

In the heart of Anjou, this Coteau-du-Layon reveals all its richness in its intense golden color. The glass exhales aromas of honey, acacia, quince and walnut. A dense, mineral mellow with impeccable aromatic qualities. Pair with blue-veined cheeses or a yellow-fruit dessert.

Domaine du Petit Clocher - Coteaux du Layon Les Perrières 2021 (liquoreux)

Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5

4.5/5 (2 reviews)

chenin
exotic fruits
blue-veined cheese
small price

Made from over-ripe grapes affected by noble rot, this Layon liquoreux is the color of the burning sun. Its exuberant nose, with aromas of exotic fruits (pineapple, lychees...), heralds a highly aromatic palate, with a rich attack and a lively finish with sweet notes of caramelized pears. In terms of value for money, this Layon will surprise many!

Château de la Roulerie - Coteaux du Layon L'Orangeraie 2019 (moelleux) 50 cl

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5/5 (1 review)

92/100 Wine Spectator

-

1*Étoile Hachette

gourmet
citrus
yellow fruits
soft

"Notes of juicy pear, apricot and white summer fruit, rich and fresh on the palate: this mellow wine offers gourmet aromas and fine balance. A wine to enjoy with tarte Tatin or parsley pastry". (Le Guide Hachette des Vins 2022)

Château de la Roulerie - Le P'tit Layon 2019 (moelleux)

Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5

3.7/5 (23 reviews)

spicy dish
immediate pleasure

"A delicacy!"

This delightful wine will revive your taste buds for immediate pleasure! A 100% Chenin worked in stainless steel tanks to preserve all its fruitiness, oscillating between citrus and ripe white fruit. The palate is lively, with a well-balanced sensation of sweetness despite the 60gr/L sugar content. A real treat!

Château Pierre Bise - Coteaux du Layon Anclaie 2014 (50cl)

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5/5 (2 reviews)

15/20 Bettane & Desseauve

liquoreux

"Fresh and rich, this is an exotic mellow wine with good balance, finesse and roundness." (Le Guide des Vins Bettane & Desseauve) A concentrated, intense sweet wine, with spherical volume provided by the terroir and precise, fresh aromas.

Château Pierre Bise - Coteaux du Layon Beaulieu Les Rouannières 2018 (50cl)

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5/5 (1 review)

16/20 RVF

-

16/20 Bettane & Desseauve

(Notes vintage 2017)

This lieu-dit in the heart of Anjou is distinguished from other parcels by its original micro-climate: arid and wild, it's home to Mediterranean plants! Thus, in its youthful golden color with green highlights, Les Rouannières exudes aromas of honey, acacia, quince and walnut. A dense, mineral mellowness with impeccable aromatic qualities.

Château de Brossay - Sélection Grains Nobles 2017 (50 cl)

Wine rated 4.1/5Wine rated 4.1/5Wine rated 4.1/5Wine rated 4.1/5Wine rated 4.1/5

4.1/5 (8 reviews)

3*Coup de Coeur Hachette

" There won't be enough for everyone! This rare cuvée is a magnificent golden color. Its intense nose combines the sweetness of jammy yellow fruit with fresh menthol notes. After a rich attack, the palate is beautifully balanced; apricot aromas are fully expressed on a mellow woodiness, followed by a long, drawn-out finish". (Le Guide Hachette des Vins 2020) A holiday delight!

Château Soucherie - Coteaux du Layon Exception 2015

Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5

4.3/5 (14 reviews)

15/20 RVF

-

16/20 Bettane & Desseauve

"Nimble juice with shimmering notes of candied fruit and crunchy grapes. Fleshy, fruity, fresh, balanced and persistent. Ideal" (Le Guide des Vins Bettane & Desseauve 2019)

Domaine de Juchepie - Les Churelles de Juchepie 2015 (moelleux)

Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5

3.7/5 (6 reviews)

17,5-18,5/20 RVF

"Its exuberance is delivered in flavors of pear in syrup and candied apricot." (RVF spécial Millésime 2015 - June 2016) The sugars, perfectly integrated, bring greediness to this very well-balanced cuvée.

Château Soucherie - Coteaux du Layon Patrimoine 2015

Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5

4.3/5 (11 reviews)

On the nose, Coteau du Layon Patrimoine expresses aromas of quince and pear, with freshness and elegance. Velvety and round on the palate, the finish is dominated by a pleasant freshness of exotic fruit. The epitome of Anjou sweetness!

Château Soucherie - Coteaux du Layon 2014

Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5

3.5/5 (8 reviews)

14,5/20 RVF

-

14/20 Bettane & Desseauve

(2013 vintage notes)

This Coteau du Layon expresses itself powerfully with aromas combining crisp apple and rhubarb with the sweetness of ripe pear. The velvety, persistent fruity aromas on the palate are very present, while giving way to a lovely, typically Ligérienne freshness. A very pretty cuvée!

Domaine Patrick Baudouin - Coteaux du Layon Les Bruandières 2013

Cuvée Les Bruandières is a fine Layon, less powerful than the Maria Juby and Grains Nobles cuvées, but still syrupy and botrytized. A lovely, suave, demonstrative white, to be enjoyed as an aperitif, with spicy or sweet and savory dishes...