Loire

This appellation was classified in 1950, it lies within the Anjou area in the Loire wine-growing region in France. It takes its name from the Layon river, a tributary of the Loire. The vineyards are located in 25 communes stretched out along the banks of this river. The region has been famous for its sweet white wines since the 4th century AD. The AC applies to white wines made in off-dry and sweet style from botrytised Chenin Blanc grapes (also called Pineau de la Loire in this area). The AC Coteaux du Layon-Villages applies to the seven communes Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Chaume, Faye-d´Anjou, Rablay-sur-Layon, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné and Saint-Lambert-du-Latta. Yields are limited to a maximum of 30 ha/hl. The AC Coteaux du Layon-Chaume applies only to the commune of Chaume, here the yield is limited to a maximum of 25 hl/ha. Well-known producers in the region as a whole include Château du Breuil, Domaine de Brizé, Domaine Cady, Philippe Delesvaux, Domaine des Forges, Domaine de Juchepie, Domaine Ogereau and Château Pierre-Bise. The two small enclaves of Bonnezeaux and Quarts de Chaume are located within the borders of the AC Coteau du Layon.