In the glass
Aroma: intense botrytis, candied apricot, honey, saffron
Palate: preserved citrus, honey, dried apricot, schist mineral
Patrick Baudouin's botrytis Chenin Blanc from Quarts de Chaume schist. Intense honey and apricot over Anjou Noir schist's mineral spine; multi-decade-cellar.
What it pairs with
-
Foie gras with apricot chutney
Apricot-on-apricot between dish and wine; chalk acidity refreshes duck-liver richness. -
Roquefort with walnut
Blue cheese and nut intensity find a partner in honey and saffron lift. -
Saffron rice pudding
Cuvée's saffron aromatic locks onto dessert; honey-citrus profile handles dairy. -
Tarte Tatin
Caramelised apple meets honey and preserved citrus; high acid keeps the pairing balanced.
History
Baudouin acquired parcels in Quarts de Chaume and bottled the Grand Cru cuvée from 2000. Baudouin's Coteaux du Layon and Quarts de Chaume cuvées are widely listed by specialist Loire merchants (Berry Bros, Skurnik).
- 2000 — First vintage of Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru bottled
- 2011 — Quarts de Chaume promoted to Grand Cru AOC status by INAO decree
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Patrick Baudouin
- Grapes
- Chenin Blanc (100%)
- Classification
- Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru AOC
- Oak
- Fermented in older oak demi-muids; aged around 24 months on lees, no new oak
- ABV
- 12.5%
- Price
- EUR 70 to 130 at retail
- Drinking window
- 15-50 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2000
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Wine Advocate 95 (2018 vintage, reviewed 2021)
Frequently asked about Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru
What does Baudouin Quarts de Chaume taste like?
Intense botrytis, candied apricot, honey and saffron on the nose; preserved citrus, honey, dried apricot and schist mineral on the palate. Full-bodied with high acidity and a long, layered finish.
When should I drink Baudouin Quarts de Chaume?
Drink between 15 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 Baudouin Quarts de Chaume vegan?
Yes. The estate is organic-certified and the wines are produced with ambient yeasts and minimal sulfur.