Domaine du Petit Clocher Coteaux du Layon 2024

Domaine du Petit Clocher works in Coteaux du Layon, the Loire appellation known for sweet Chenin Blanc grown along the Layon river. Autumn mists rise off the water and settle over the vineyards, creating the damp mornings and dry afternoons that let Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot, take hold. The fungus pierces the grape skin and draws out water, concentrating sugar, acidity and aroma in the shrivelled berries. Pickers pass through the rows several times to select only the affected fruit. After pressing, the wine spends around three months in barrel, which softens it and adds a light toast without covering the fruit. Chenin Blanc keeps high natural acidity even when very ripe, and that acidity is what holds this style in balance and stops the sweetness cloying. The colour is deep gold. The nose shows honey, acacia, apricot and orange marmalade. The palate is rich and sweet but lifted by lemony acidity, closing long with dried apricot and a touch of ginger. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees, in a small glass.