Coteaux de l'Aubance is a wine-growing region located in the Anjou district of the Loire Valley in France. The appellation is known for its sweet white wines produced using Chenin Blanc grapes.
The name "Coteaux de l'Aubance" translates as "Hills of the Aubance," referring to the slopes along the Aubance River where the vineyards are located. This region benefits from a microclimate that is ideal for the development of "noble rot" (botrytis cinerea), a type of fungus that helps concentrate the sugars in the grapes, leading to the production of dessert wines.
The soils in the Coteaux de l'Aubance mainly consist of schists and sandstones, giving wines of this area a particular mineral quality. The wines of Coteaux de l'Aubance often have flavors of apricot, quince, honey and spices, with a vibrant acidity that balances the sweetness.
The appellation was first recognized in 1950, and today, it covers around 300 hectares of vineyards. Despite its small size, the region is highly respected for the quality of its dessert wines.
