Thierry Germain Cep by Cep Coteaux Du Layon 2018

A sweet Chenin Blanc from the Cep by Cep label, made in a lighter, fresher register than most Coteaux du Layon and without relying on noble rot.

The Coteaux du Layon follows the small Layon river as it cuts through the schist of the Anjou Noir, south of the Loire, and Chenin Blanc is the only permitted variety. Cep by Cep is Philippe Germain's label — brother of Thierry Germain of Domaine des Roches Neuves in Saumur — and the fruit now comes largely from Philippe's Château de la Roulerie, a 42-hectare organic estate on schist around the Layon. The vines here sit on clay and schist on terraced amphitheatre slopes near Rochefort-sur-Loire. Rather than waiting for botrytis, the grapes are left to shrivel on the vine and picked passerillé, then fermented naturally; the ferment is stopped to leave around 80 grams per litre of residual sugar, and the wine is raised in neutral demi-muids.

Drink now or keep for a decade. Serve at 8–10°C with a fruit tart, blue cheese or roast duck with quince.

*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.