1jour1vin

Quarts de Chaume

Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5
4.3/5See the 242 reviews
Quarts de Chaume
Appellation d'origine contrôlée Quarts de Chaume produces sweet white wines, and is probably one of the most emblematic of the Anjou valley. This AOC ranks among the exceptional terroirs. It traditionally corresponded to the best "quarter" of the Chaume terroir harvest. The appellation's geographical area covers a small part of the commune of Rochefort-sur-Loire, some fifteen kilometers southwest of Angers. The vineyards total around 40 hectares and are planted on Brioverian schist and Carboniferous pudding. This appellation benefits from an exceptional and particularly favorable mesoclimatic situation. In fact, the Layon at this level has a wide meander (Vallée de Bézigon), which creates morning fog that favors the establishment of noble rot. Quarts de Chaume wines have been granted AOC status, in accordance with a decree dated August 10, 1954.

Visit Quarts de Chaume wines are made exclusively from the Chenin grape variety, also known as Pineau de la Loire, with particularly low average yields, ensuring irreproachable berry quality. Grapes are harvested by hand, with successive selections made from grapes that have reached over-ripeness and are concentrated by the action or absence of noble rot. Production is obviously extremely limited, peaking at 600 hectolitres a year.

Visit Quarts de Chaume wines have a golden-yellow color with green highlights, evolving over time into old gold with amber highlights. The nose is generally complex, with characteristic aromas of flowers, white fruit, candied citrus and exotic fruit, evolving towards notes of precious woods, dried or candied fruit, honey and toasted almonds with age. Their well-balanced liqueur often brings fatness and smoothness. The ageing potential is a minimum of 10 years, and goes up to inestimable lengths for fine vintages. Excellent wines are regularly offered 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 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 had been planted by an abbess on a hill allocated by the local lord, the colline de Chaume. This feudal right, known as the "complant", allowed a lord to cede land to a tenant, who would then grow vines and take half the harvest. In return for this land, the lord took a quarter of the harvest and wine production. This custom gave Quarts-de-Chaume its name.

An exceptional geographical area

The vines producing Quarts-de-Chaume grow on a sun-drenched, south-facing slope, benefiting from a mild, sunny microclimate. The presence of the river creates a morning mist that favors the appearance of a fungus, botrytis, the source of noble rot. Thanks to the sunshine, the grapes undergo passerillage, i.e. the berries reduce in water and concentrate in sugars. The vineyard extends over some forty hectares and is planted on soil rich in brioverian schist and pudding sandstone.

A great vintage

These geographic and climatic conditions contribute to the superior quality of this wine. It became an AOC in 1954 and has earned the Grand Cru appellation since 2011.

Grape variety

Chenin is the only grape variety used to make Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru. Also known as Pineau de la Loire, it originates from the banks of the Loire, where it has been cultivated since the 11th century. Arriving in Touraine in the 15th century, it was delegated to the care of the Abbé de Cormery at Mont-Chenin, hence its name.

This fabulous variety owes its qualities to its robustness and versatility. It buds early. It doesn't need to be blended with other varieties, and performs superbly in all types of white wine, from dry to sparkling or sweet. 

Its acidity gives structure and longevity to dry and sweet wines. Its rich fragrance is reminiscent of honeysuckle and acacia, apricot, green apple and pear. Quince, cinnamon, honey and candied fruit are also found in sweet wines. With age, it acquires notes of gingerbread, cumin, hazelnut and marshmallow.

Color, style, fragrance and flavor

A sweet white wine, Quarts-de-Chaume has a pale color with golden highlights. It is fragrant with ripe or candied fruit, spices, honey, apricot and lime blossom. Its flavor is complex, fine, rich and powerful. Its taste is unctuous, smooth and opulent.

Storage and service

Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru should be kept at 8°C. It can be kept for a minimum of 10 years, but up to a century for great vintages. Young wines should be decanted to aerate their aromas.

How to serve quart-de-chaume wine

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

Bellerive Castle

At the heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, Château Bellerive stands on a 12-hectare estate. Its wines are world-renowned for their quality and balance, and are sweet white wines with a magnificent shimmering golden color. Its taste of toast combined with exotic fruit finishes on a long, fresh note. Reviews from customers tasting it for the first time are often glowing. Vintage or not, its price remains very affordable.
More information on the Quarts de Chaume

Buy the best Quarts de Chaume wines in private sale!

Rated site
19798 notices
20€

Free on your 1st order*.

Discover our selection of the best producers of Quarts de Chaume wines

Our latest sales of Quarts de Chaume wines

Domaine de La Roche Moreau - Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru 2021

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (3 reviews)

3*Coup de Coeur Hachette

balanced
freshness
finesse
liquoreux

"A dazzling success! An ideal Quarts de Chaume for your festive season "

"Combining great ripeness and finesse, this rich, powerful liquoreux, aged without the addition of wood, displays superb balance. We're already enjoying its notes of preserved lemon, milk jam, apricot and mango, and its ample, long and delicate palate, which stretches out its fruit with finesse. Concentration never takes over, and freshness is always present. A monument, to be reserved for itself or with a light dessert such as a citrus or summer fruit salad." (Le Guide Hachette 2024)

Château Bellerive - Quarts de Chaume 1997

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (1 review)

92/100 RVF

softness
finesse
yellow fruits
foie gras

"An exceptional vintage!

The 1997 Quarts de Chaume Bellerive has benefited from the little "miracles" of the mild Anjou weather, to become one of the appellation's exceptional years. With luscious, intense notes of candied apricot and mango, it now presents itself in all its fullness, smoothly, without heaviness. An anthology year for a gourmet gem at an affordable price!

Château Bellerive - Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru 2020 (liquoreux 50 cl)

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (3 reviews)

chenin
desserts
blue-veined cheese
liquoreux

Already superb on the nose, the 2020 vintage is already making our mouths water! Already promising, this bottle concentrates aromatic complexity, richness and power, while retaining freshness. On the palate, we'd like to highlight citrus and lemony flavors, with an astonishing balance of sugar and acidity. A superb vintage, already delicious on the fruit, which will evolve perfectly over the years!

Château Pierre Bise - Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru 2018 (50cl)

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

4.5/5 (4 reviews)

16,5/20 RVF

(2016 vintage notes)
chenin
aromatic
desserts
foie gras
liquoreux

The 2018 Quarts de Chaume has great aromatic intensity, is lively and very complex, with notes of verbena and saffron. The attack on the palate is mineral and precise, for an overall fresh, round structure. Enjoy with foie gras or fruit tart...

Château Bellerive - Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru 2015 (liquoreux)

Wine rated 4.7/5Wine rated 4.7/5Wine rated 4.7/5Wine rated 4.7/5Wine rated 4.7/5

4.7/5 (7 reviews)

98/100 Decanter

chenin
desserts
blue-veined cheese
liquoreux

"An elegant combined nose of toasted dried fruits and ripe oranges. The palate features exotic fruits, honeyed vanilla notes and dehydrated orchard fruits." (Or Decanter). Nothing is missing from this exceptional 2015 vintage, which is already making our mouths water. Already great and more than promising, this bottle concentrates aromatic complexity, richness and power, while retaining balance and freshness. An incredible vintage full of panache and great ageing potential!

Château Bellerive - Quarts de Chaume 2006 (50 cl)

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (18 reviews)

16/20 Bettane & Desseauve

-

17/20 Gault & Millau

(2005 vintage notes)
chenin
racy
blue-veined cheese
liquoreux

"A great vintage

The Quarts de Chaume, the star of the sweet wines, is enchanting in its gracefulness, situated on a site where Chenin flourishes. for Chenin to flourish. Nothing is missing from this exceptional 2006 vintage, harvested in several successive selections from botrytized grapes. This bottle concentrates aromatic complexity and power (white and exotic fruits, flowers, honey, candied citrus), richness with impressive fatness, while maintaining a balance between mellowness and liveliness! An incredible vintage full of panache and great ageing potential!

Domaine Ogereau - Quarts de Chaume La Martinière 2018 (50 cl)

Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5

4.2/5 (6 reviews)

3*Coup de Coeur Hachette

chenin
desserts
liquoreux
holidays

"Chenin Nectar

"Vincent Ogereau's approach to these terroirs is based on a "Burgundian climat logic". Here, a terroir of Briovérien schist has given birth to this Quarts-de-Chaume of a magnificent intense golden-yellow color. The nose, both rich and delicate, evokes elegant scents of honeysuckle, dried apricot, honey and sweet spices, enlivened by hints of citrus. Full-bodied, opulent and suave on the palate, underlined by a fine acidic structure, this wine is perfectly balanced. Pleasant, persistent vanilla flavors enliven the finish". (Le Guide Hachette des Vins 2021)

Domaine Patrick Baudouin - Les Zersilles 2014 (50cl)

16/20 RVF

-

16/20 Bettane & Desseauve

"On the reserve for the moment, this wine shows its mellowness and its potential, it must be waited for to gain in nuance and refinement". (Le Guide des Vins Bettane & Desseauve). An intense liquoreux, with a wide range of aromas, from fresh fruit (citrus, cherry, peach) to dried fruit and spices. Very ripe, harmonious and balanced!

Château Bellerive - Quarts de Chaume 2010

Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5

4.2/5 (6 reviews)

92/100 Wine Spectator

-

16/20 Bettane & Desseauve

-

16/20 Gault & Millau

"A fragrance of honeyed dried fruit, roasted pineapple and bergamot. This is a superlative wine, both on the nose and on the palate, which, without ostentation, reveals a delicate, gourmet palate". (Le Guide Gault & Millau 2015). Nothing is missing from this exceptional 2010 vintage, vinified with the help of talented oenologist and professor Denis Dubourdieu. Already great and more than promising, this bottle concentrates aromatic complexity, richness and power, while retaining balance and freshness. An incredible vintage full of panache and great ageing potential!

Château Pierre Bise - Quarts de Chaume 2011 (50cl)

Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5

4.2/5 (4 reviews)

17,5/20 Bettane & Desseauve

"Mineral purity and richness of constitution mean that this wine with accents of yellow fruit, pollen and smokiness has a delicious balance with just the right amount of tension." (Le Guide Bettane & Desseauve des Vins de France 2014). A Quarts-de-Chaume marked by its botrytization/mineral balance and by precision and freshness in its structure... A great wine!

Domaine Patrick Baudouin - Maria Juby 2009 (50cl)

18/20 RVF

-

17/20 Gault & Millau

Notes : RVF 18/20, Gault Millau 17/20
"The graceful, callipyge Maria Juby that will remarkably hold up for more than fifteen years." (Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France 2012 - RVF). A cuvée in homage to the master winemaker who founded the estate at the beginning of the 20th century. A very fine Quarts de Chaume!

Domaine Baumard - Quarts de Chaume 2009

Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5

4.2/5 (4 reviews)

Notes : Robert Parker 91-92+/100, Gault Millau 19/20 , Bettane & Desseauve 17/20, Wine Spectator 96/100
The greatest wine of the Loire Valley! It benefits from a unique terroir and location, rare breed and elegance, and a remarkable texture that combines power and clarity, richness and precision. The bouquet is highly floral, with notes of citrus and orchard fruit. A great Quarts de Chaume!