Bonnezeaux

Founded at the end of the 19th century, Domaine des Petits Quarts is located in Faye d'Anjou, in the heart of the Coteaux du Layon region. In 1987, Jean-Pascal Godineau took over the estate and built its reputation on the production of sweet wines, which were the cornerstone of the domaine’s identity at the time. The estate was acquired in 2022 by five wine lovers from Anjou, all passionate advocates of sweet wines.

The Domaine des Petits Quarts spans 25 hectares across the Bonnezeaux and Coteaux du Layon appellations and also produces a selection of dry white and sparkling wines. The vineyard is lies across three sun-drenched hillsides : “La Montagne,” “Beauregard,” and “Fesles”, facing south and west. To the north, a gently rolling plateau rises to an average altitude of 90 meters, contrasting with the Layon River below at just 29 meters.

The exceptional sweet wine of Domaine des Petits Quarts

Thanks to a unique microclimate that promotes optimal ripening and botrytisation (noble rot), the estate has been able to bring out the very best in its terroir. Each year, around 187,000 bottles are produced by a team of 40 skilled and passionate persons.

The vineyard, planted exclusively with Chenin Blanc, yields of nearly 25 hectoliters per hectare. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, with multiple passes to select only the most of overripe grapes. The soils are developed with veins of quartz, as well as phthanites, while the vineyard’s southwest exposure and shallow, sloped terrain create ideal thermal conditions. This encourages early vine growth and produces harvests with remarkable ripeness.
Inrecognition of this expertise, the vineyard’s Bonnezeaux wine was awarded the gold medal for Loire Valley Wines in 2020, an affirmation of the estate’s dedication to quality and excellence.

The characteristics of the Bonnezeaux wine from Domaine des Petits Quarts

With a deep golden yellow with elegant copper highlights, the Bonnezeaux wine from Domaine des Petits Quarts reveals powerful aromas of acacia, verbena, caramel, as well as orange peel, candied and exotic fruits. On the palate, it is rich, round, full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a touch of freshness as it matures. This wine should be stored at 8°C and ideally aged for at least 10 years to reveal its full complexity. The finest vintages can age indefinitely.

Whether served as an aperitif or paired with dishes such as foie gras, blue-veined cheeses or fruit-based desserts (especially those featuring pear or almond). This sweet wine is refined and harmonious blend of flavors to savored, always in moderation.