Domaine des Baumard Anjou, Loire Valley

Just south of Angers, facing Rochefort, the north bank of the Loire has a series of small appellations. Savennières is the general appellation for this small region. It is included within the bigger one of the Côteaux de la Loire. The soils and subsoils are unusual and complex in this part of the valley. Volcanic flows deposited slate, shales, granites, and calcareous formations. A characteristic and prominent mineral character is present, especially in the Chenin Blanc derived wines. Robert Parker has a high regard for Jean Baumard and his son Florent... "For decades Jean Baumard's wines have been benchmarks for Savennières, Côteaux du Layon, and Quarts de Chaume - his wines have every component in place, so technically perfect and so polished they seem to be the product of a scientist. Florent, who is taking over from his recently retired father, has added some soul. There is no doubt in my mind that Florent Baumard is one of the shining lights in France's winemaking present and future." Wine & Spirits has named Domaine des Baumard as a Loire Winery of the Year more than once, and adds "in Savennières, the estate is unmatched for consistency of quality." (Dec. 15, 2005)

Coteaux du Layon 2006 "Carte d'Or" Western Anjou is home to some of France's greatest vineyards for fine sweet wine: Coteaux du Layon, Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux. The only grape allowed in these appellations is the Chenin Blanc. The vineyards are planted on mineral rich schist, on steep slopes above the Layon river. The vineyards face south and south-west, allowing for maximum light and warmth in autumn. These last two factors are essential for the development of botrytis cineria, the micro-organism, also known as "noble rot" that, in years when all conditions are right, causes the grape skins to become permeable. On warm autumn afternoons, the morning mists from the river burn off and water evaporates from the grapes, making the remaining juice intensely sweet and concentrated. In years when botrytis is present, harvest is postponed for maximum ripeness and sweetness. Often the pickers will go through the vineyards several times, individually selecting which grapes will be harvested that day and which will be left on the vine to ripen further. An ill-timed rain will cause the grapes to rot on the vine and a sudden frost will destroy the crop. This means that quantities are always limited.

Visit Domaine des Baumard

All wines are available by the unmixed case to Licensees and Private Consumers, subject to availability.

Read the small print for more information.