Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnesssweet
Finishlong
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2015: best 2025 to 2065.
vintage10 yrs50 yrs52 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Decanter reviewed 2018201595/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Full-bodiedLow tanninHigh aciditySweetLong finish

Aroma: botrytis, apricot, honey, candied citrus

Palate: preserved citrus, honey, dried apricot, chalky mineral

Botrytis-affected Chenin Blanc from Pierre-Bise's Quarts de Chaume parcels. Honey, apricot and saffron over a multi-decade-cellar frame.

What it pairs with

  • Foie gras au torchon
    Classic Loire pairing: botrytis honey and apricot meet duck-liver richness; chalk refreshes.
  • Tarte aux pommes
    Caramelised apple and the wine's honey-citrus signature; high acid keeps the pairing balanced.
  • Roquefort
    Blue cheese salt meets botrytis sweetness; saffron and honey echo the cheese's umami.
  • Saffron risotto
    Cuvée's saffron aromatic locks onto dessert savoury; honey-citrus profile handles arborio cream.

History

Pierre-Bise has farmed Quarts de Chaume parcels for generations, expanded under Claude Papin in the 1980s.

  1. 1985: Pierre-Bise expands Quarts de Chaume holdings under Claude Papin
  2. 2011: Quarts de Chaume promoted to Grand Cru AOC status by INAO decree

Facts

Producer
Château Pierre-Bise · visiting guide
Grapes
Chenin Blanc (100%)
Classification
Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC
Oak
Fermented in older oak demi-muids; aged around 18 months on lees, no new oak
ABV
13.0%
Price
EUR 60 to 110 at retail
Drinking window
10-50 from vintage
First vintage
1985
Organic
ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru

What does Pierre-Bise Quarts de Chaume taste like?

Botrytis, apricot, honey and candied citrus on the nose; preserved citrus, honey, dried apricot and chalky mineral on the palate. Full-bodied with high acidity and a long, layered finish.

When should I drink Pierre-Bise Quarts de Chaume?

Drink between 10 and 50 years from vintage. The cuvée is documented to cellar for decades; mature bottles develop saffron, dried fruit and waxy honey complexity.

What is the Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru?

Quarts de Chaume was promoted to Grand Cru AOC status by INAO decree in 2011. The 33-hectare appellation produces botrytis Chenin Blanc of exceptional ageing capacity.

Is Pierre-Bise Quarts de Chaume vegan?

Yes. The estate is organic-certified and the wines are produced without animal-derived fining agents.

Tags

cellar worthy chenin blanc dessert noble rot full body grand cru high acid iconic mood contemplative mood elegant occasion celebration occasion cellar occasion special old world organic pairs with blue cheese pairs with creme brulee pairs with foie gras pairs with fruit desserts price premium sweet vegan

Taste it where it is made: tours and tastings in Loire Valley

See all 280 bookable experiences in Loire Valley

← Back to wines in Loire Valley