The Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru 2017 is the absolute flagship wine of the Domaine de la Bergerie. A rare cuvée, produced in very small quantities, sourced exclusively from the one and only Grand Cru de l’Anjou—one of the most exclusive and sought-after appellations in the Loire Valley. A wine for meditation, fine dining, and aging, to be shared during special occasions.
The Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru appellation—a jewel of the Loire Valley
Quarts de Chaume is one of the few French appellations to have earned Grand Cru status—officially recognized in 2011, making it the only Grand Cru in the Loire Valley. Its vineyards cover only approximately 50 hectares, on a schist promontory overlooking the Layon River in Chaume, in the Maine-et-Loire department. Legend has it that the name comes from a medieval lord who took a quarter of the harvest from his sharecroppers—proof that these plots were already recognized as exceptional long before the advent of modern appellations.
The terroir of Quarts de Chaume is utterly unique: spilitic schist (metamorphosed volcanic rock) with purplish hues, facing due south toward the Layon River. This exposure and unique geology create a microclimate conducive to the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea)—the beneficial mold that concentrates the grapes’ juice, sugar, aromas, and natural acidity by reducing their water content. It is this exceptional natural concentration that gives Quarts de Chaume its richness, complexity, and incredible aging potential—the best vintages can age 30, 50, or even 100 years.
Anne and Marie Guégniard — 8 generations on the schist soils of Anjou
The Domaine de la Bergerie is run by Anne and Marie Guégniard, representing the 8th generation of a winemaking family that has been based in Champ-sur-Layon for centuries. This is not a recent transition—it is a deep-rooted connection to this exceptional terroir of the “Black Anjou,” where schist predominates and gives the wines their minerality and exceptional aging potential.
The estate comprises 36 hectares of certified organic farmland across the terroirs of Savennières, Quarts de Chaume, Coteaux du Layon, and Anjou. Organic farming has been a shared conviction for many years—respecting the soil, the schist, and the vines so that the wine can best express its terroir. The harvest is done by hand, through successive selections to choose only botrytized grapes at their optimal point of concentration.
The 2017 vintage—a sunny and concentrated vintage
The 2017 vintage in Anjou was marked by a sunny and warm year, with excellent botrytis development late in the season on the most exposed terroirs. The 2017 Quarts de Chaume displays exceptional concentration while preserving the freshness and natural acidity that characterize the great vintages of this appellation. This is a vintage that already expresses great richness and beautiful complexity, but will reach its full potential around 2030–2035.
Tasting Notes
Color: pale gold with golden highlights, luminous and brilliant.
Nose: remarkably rich and complex. Candied apricot, acacia honey, candied orange, quince, citrus zest (bergamot, candied lemon), floral notes of linden and acacia, a light hint of saffron. The minerality of the schist shines through subtly, bringing a rare tension to such a rich sweet wine.
Palate: full-bodied, opulent, with an enveloping richness. The balance between sweetness (natural residual sugars from botrytis) and the Chenin’s natural acidity is exceptional—it is this balance that distinguishes the great Quarts de Chaume wines from ordinary sweet wines. A very long, lingering finish with notes of honey and candied citrus, and a briny freshness on the finish that makes you want to take another sip.
Bottle size: 500 ml—the traditional size for the great sweet wines of the Loire.
Serving: at 10–12°C; uncork 30 minutes in advance. Peak 2030–2035; ageable until 2050.
Food and Wine Pairings
The 2017 Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru is a fine dining wine that shines with pairings as varied as they are unexpected:
Classic pairings: pan-seared or terrine-style foie gras (a perfect match), Roquefort and blue cheeses, apricot or peach tart, crème brûlée, desserts made with candied yellow fruits, and kouign-amann.
Gourmet pairings: scallops with coral cream, roasted lobster with lightly salted butter, veal sweetbreads in cream sauce, poultry in a cream and mushroom sauce. The richness and acidity of Quarts de Chaume hold their own beautifully against creamy sauces and delicate dishes.
Unexpected pairing: on its own, as a meditation wine, served slightly chilled at the end of a meal—this is often when it reveals its full depth and complexity.
Storage
This wine is made to stand the test of time. The bottle can be stored upright or on its side in a cellar at 12–14°C, away from light and vibrations. Open it now to enjoy its richness and youthful aromas, or wait until 2030–2035 for its absolute peak. The great vintages of Quarts de Chaume are known to age magnificently for several decades.
Discover other great wines from Domaine de la Bergerie at Ardoneo, as well as our selection of great organic wines from the Loire and our sweet organic white wines.
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