Domaine des Baumard Quarts de Chaume 2018

The Quarts de Chaume appellation is Anjou's most famous cru. The origin of its name dates back to the Middle Ages. In those days, winegrowers were required to give "a quarter of the harvest hanging on the reverse side of the hillside facing south" produced in the tènement (group of tenant farms) of Chaume as payment to the Abbaye du Ronceray in Angers. This custom gave the vineyard its name Quarts-de-Chaume.

The vineyard covers 40 hectares, with southern exposure and a mild, sunny microclimate. The nearby river Le Layon meanders through the vineyard, creating morning mists that favor the development of botrytis, the fungus that causes noble rot. Its action, combined with a south-facing schist terroir, means that in October grapes can be harvested that have reached over-ripeness, reduced in water and concentrated in sugars.

The wines of Quarts de Chaume are made exclusively from Chenin, a grape variety characteristic of the region (also known locally as Pineau de la Loire); Chenin testifies to a remarkable richness olfactory.

Harvesting is manual and carried out by successive selections of bunches. Transported in crates, to better pRéserver the physical qualities of the fruit, they are then placed whole in vats for low-temperature carbonic maceration fermentation; the wine is then aged 9 to 18 months in vats on fine lees. Production is obviously extremely limited, peaking at 600 hectolitres per year.

2018 was a near-perfect vintage, avoiding the spring frosts that plagued 2016 and 2017. A mild summer and warm autumn produced perfectly ripe fruit with moderate alcohol, juicy acidity and dense concentration.

Sweet white wine Wines Quarts de Chaume present a pale golden yellow color with golden highlights, evolving over time to old gold with amber highlights. The first, intense nose develops aromas of mirabelle plum, peach and apricot, stimulated by notes of white flowers, honeysuckle and acacia flower, as well as chamomile and lime blossom. It then evolves towards notes of precious wood, Secs fruit and candied fruit. The opulent palate combines power and precision. Mirabelle plum marmalade, roasted fig and candied orange peel are all present, making this a great moment of indulgence. This perfect balance between freshness and unctuousness brings a beautiful length on the palate. 

This Quarts de Chaume 2018 from Domaine des Baumards is of a breed and elegance Rare. It will offer itself fully alongside a lamb tajine with figs, a tart with nectarines and pistachios, and of course, on all blue-veined cheeses.