In the glass
Aroma: botrytis, apricot, honey, candied citrus
Palate: preserved citrus, honey, dried apricot, saffron
Botrytis-affected Chenin Blanc from Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC. Honey, apricot and preserved citrus on a multi-decade-cellar frame, the Baumard's flagship dessert wine.
What it pairs with
-
Foie gras au torchon
Classic Loire pairing: botrytis honey and apricot meet the duck-liver richness. -
Tarte Tatin
Caramelised apple meets honey and preserved citrus; high acid keeps the pairing from cloying. -
Roquefort
Blue cheese salt meets botrytis sweetness; saffron and honey echo the cheese's umami. -
Crème brûlée with citrus
Burnt-sugar crust meets the wine's botrytis honey; preserved citrus signature lifts dairy.
History
The Baumard family acquired Quarts de Chaume vines in 1953. The Quarts de Chaume AOC was promoted to Grand Cru status in 2011 by INAO decree (Loire Valley's single Grand Cru recognition).
- 1953 — Baumard acquires vineyards in Quarts de Chaume
- 2011 — Quarts de Chaume promoted to Grand Cru AOC status by INAO decree
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine des Baumard
- Grapes
- Chenin Blanc (100%)
- Classification
- Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC
- Oak
- Vinified in stainless steel and older oak demi-muids; aged on lees, no new oak, screwcap closure
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 50 to 100 at retail
- Drinking window
- 10-50 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1953
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Wine Advocate 95 (2017 vintage, reviewed 2020)
Frequently asked about Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru
What does Baumard Quarts de Chaume taste like?
Botrytis, apricot, honey and candied citrus on the nose; preserved citrus, honey, dried apricot and saffron on the palate. Full-bodied with high acidity and a long, layered finish.
When should I drink Baumard 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.
What food pairs with Baumard Quarts de Chaume?
Foie gras au torchon is the classic Loire pairing. Tarte Tatin, Roquefort and crème brûlée with citrus are equally strong matches.