Domaine Des Baumard Coteaux du Layon 1997, Loire Valley

The sweet wines of Domaine des Baumard are from vineyards planted along the Layon River, which flows northwest into the Loire. The perfectly exposed vineyards in the appellation Côteaux du Layon allow the Chenin Blanc grape to ripen perfectly, often enriched by the development of botrytis. For the production of sweet wine, Florent Baumard prefers to harvest as late as the vintage weather permits, hoping for plenty of botrytis. The grapes are harvested in successive passes or “tries” through the vineyard, and any unsatisfactory fruit is eliminated. The grapes are pressed quickly and the must fermented under temperature control. Aging is done strictly without oak to preserve the elements of fruit and terroir. Grapes manually selected from the oldest vines of Baumard’s Vineyard in the Coteaux du Layon AOC. The grapes are then pressed using a pneumatic press. Separation of juices is carefully monitored and controlled, as are fermentation temperatures, in stainless steel vats.