Definition: Quarts-de-Chaume AOC

Anjou region in the Loire Valley. Production area: located south-west of Angers, on the left bank of the Loire, more precisely within the localities of Les Quarts, Les Rouères and Le Veau, in the commune of Rochefort-sur-Loire, in the department of Maine-et-Loire. Classified as an AOC in 1954. Area under production: just over 30 hectares. White grape variety: Chenin. Vinified as a sweet white wine. The grapes are harvested manually, when overripe, in successive passes. Can be kept for a very long time, up to 20 years or more. Ideal serving temperature: between 8 and 10°C. Pair with: foie gras, Roquefort-type cheese, warm souffléed oranges or a chocolate dessert. The origin of the name dates back to the Middle Ages: a quarter of the harvest from the hamlet of Chaume, where the vines were cultivated by monks, was then owed to the local lord, who chose the best barrels.