Cep by Cep Coteaux Du Layon 2023

Cep by Cep Coteaux Du Layon is a sweet Loire Chenin Blanc built on passerillé fruit rather than botrytis.

Coteaux du Layon follows the Layon, a small tributary that joins the Loire south of Angers and whose sheltered valley concentrates the autumn conditions needed for sweet Chenin. This bottling is drawn from Philippe Germain's estate vineyards in the heart of the valley at Rochefort-sur-Loire, where the clay- and schist-rich slopes are cut into an amphitheatre of terraces, an unusual sight in the Loire. The grapes are harvested passerillé, shrivelled on the vine with little or no botrytis, which gives concentration without the mushroomy weight noble rot can bring. Fermentation is natural and takes place in neutral demi-muid, where the wine is also aged. The ferment is arrested to leave around 80 g/L of residual sugar, held in check by brisk acidity and moderate alcohol.

Ready now and capable of a decade or more in bottle. Serve at 8-10°C with a fruit tart, soft washed-rind cheese or blue cheese.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.