Château Pierre-Bise Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru 2022
Critic Jancis Robinson has called Claude Papin, the owner/winemaker at Château Pierre-Bise "one of the most talented wine growers in this part of the world, a true vine technician." And while he is better known for his phenomenal Chenin Blancs, he also makes delightful reds from Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Gamay. The fruit is grown in the ancient volcanic soils of the village called spilite, which is so compacted that the vines really have to struggle to penetrate. The resulting wine is mineral, ripe and full of red fruit, with firm tannins and a flinty undertone. Really lovely.
Quarts de Chaume, also called Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC, is one of the most exclusive sweet wine appellations in the world. Although at roughly 74 acres it is about 1/4 the size of the surrounding appellation, Chaume, Quarts de Chaume's etymology actually comes from ancient days. The Diocese of Angers used to own all the land in Quarts de Chaume AOC, and charged the area's producers 25% of their revenue to lease the land.
As this story indicates, Quarts de Chaume has always been a highly desirable appellation. Nowadays, the appellation is home to many of the world's best sweet Chenin Blancs. Although not all the wines are expensive (or, for that matter, as outstanding as their reputation), demand is still high, partly due to the rarity of the wines. Due to their reputation as an acquired taste, Quarts de Chaume wines remain underrated, and though the wines are expensive, they look like bargains next to comparables like Sauternes.
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Varietal | 100% Chenin Blanc |
| Appellation | Quarts de Chaume |
| Designation | AOC |
| Alcohol | 11.00% |
| Volume | 500 ml |
| Country of Origin | FRANCE |
| State of Origin | N/A |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
Quarts de Chaume is very similar to the appellation that it lies within, but the climate is a trifle more exclusive. The slopes on which the vineyards are located face south. The soil is filled with schist, with some sandstone pebbles. The mist that is conducive to noble-rotted wine production is ever-present on the riverbanks. The climate is essentially perfect for making sweet wines from Chenin Blanc.
