In the glass
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.
- 1985 — Pierre-Bise expands Quarts de Chaume holdings under Claude Papin
- 2011 — Quarts de Chaume promoted to Grand Cru AOC status by INAO decree
Facts
- Producer
- Château Pierre-Bise
- 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)
Scores
- Decanter 95 (2015 vintage, reviewed 2018)
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.