Bonnezeaux

Bonnezeaux is a famous sweet Chenin Blanc appellation within the greater Coteaux du Layon region. The grapes are grown on ancient schistous rock vineyards on the steep banks of the Layon, a tributary of the Loire, and are affected by botrytis cinerea/noble rot (as per Sauternes and Barsac) to a greater or lesser degree depending on the year. 

The grapes are hand-harvested by ‘trie’ and aged in French barriques to give intense, complex honeyed wines, rich in residual sugar, and with approx 14% alcohol. The best of which are capable of ageing 10-20 years.

Dme du Petit Val is a good producer.