Three Slopes Above the Layon
In the commune of Thouarcé, an enclave within the Coteaux du Layon, Bonnezeaux occupies three due-south-facing slopes above the river. It is, along with Quarts de Chaume and Savennières, one of Anjou's three historic grands crus.
The Terroir and Noble Rot
The vines are terraced on schistous ground dotted with sandy grit and phtanite, on exposed slopes that, combined with mists from the Layon, favour excellent development of noble rot. The grapes are hand-picked at overripeness, through successive selective passes, for a yield capped at 25 hectolitres per hectare.
The Style of the Wines
Bonnezeaux stands out for its opulence: golden colour, aromas of acacia honey, orange peel and lime blossom, a lush, generous palate that develops a candied bouquet with age. It is a great sweet wine for cellaring — ten to thirty years and beyond — best served chilled, between 6 and 9°C.