Anjou-Coteaux de la Loire is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) for sweet white wine in the Loire Valley wine region of France. This appellation, granted in 1947, is confined to a small area along the north bank of the Loire River, mainly in the department of Maine-et-Loire.
The wines produced here are made from Chenin blanc grapes, also known as Pineau de la Loire, harvested manually in several passes to select only the ripest fruits. The distinct character of the wine is due to the specific microclimate, which allows the development of "noble rot" or Botrytis cinerea. This fungus helps in concentrating the sugar levels in the grapes, giving the wines a unique sweetness.
The yields of these vineyards are generally low, resulting in wines that are ardent and voluptuous, often described with flavors of quince, honey, apricot, and acacia. These wines may also have a good aging potential, thanks to their high residual sugar and well-balanced acidity.
Anjou-Coteaux de la Loire pairs well with rich cheeses, foie gras, or can be enjoyed as a dessert wine.
Although this AOC is lesser-known compared to others in the Loire Valley, like Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé, it is esteemed for producing some of the best sweet wines in the region.
