Nouvelles Confidences - Coteaux du Layon 2022

Type: Sweet White
Alcohol: 12%
Vintage: 2022
Size: 750ml
Closure: Cork
Varieties: 100% Chenin Blanc
Structure: Medium-bodied
Terroir: The 35-year-old Chenin Blanc vines thrive in soils of clay and quartz over schist in Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay. These unique soils retain moisture during dry periods and drain effectively in wetter conditions, providing balanced hydration critical for the production of botrytised wines. This terroir enhances the freshness and complexity of the wine, while the cool, late-maturing conditions ensure precision and balance.
Harvest: The grapes are hand-harvested in multiple passes to select only the finest botrytised clusters. An initial negative selection removes imperfect bunches, leaving only pristine fruit. Subsequent harvests, conducted 10 days apart, target grapes at optimal concentration, prioritizing balance and freshness over excessive sweetness.
Winemaking: After meticulous sorting, the grapes undergo direct pressing in a pneumatic press to extract pure, aromatic juice.
Fermentation: Occurs in concrete tanks with indigenous yeasts, preserving the wine’s natural character and enhancing its vibrant profile.

On the Nose: Nouvelles Confidences 2022 opens with an expressive bouquet dominated by tropical fruit aromas, particularly pineapple, which gives the wine a vibrant and inviting character. Underlying these fruity notes is a subtle honeyed complexity, offering depth and richness. This combination of exotic fruit and honey hints creates a fragrant, multifaceted nose that captures attention immediately.

On the Palate: The wine's palate offers a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity. The tropical fruit notes found on the nose carry through, but they are paired with a refreshing, zesty acidity that prevents the wine from feeling overly sweet. This contrast gives the wine a harmonious profile, with a smooth and fresh mouthfeel that makes it exceptionally well-balanced. The long finish highlights its freshness while preserving the richness from the ripe fruit.

Pairing & Cellaring: The wine pairs excellently with blue cheeses like Fourme d’Ambert, where the sweetness of the wine contrasts beautifully with the saltiness of the cheese.
A classic match, enhancing the richness and luxurious texture of the foie gras while complementing the wine's sweet notes.
Ideal with fruity desserts such as rhubarb tart, apricot galette, or plum crumble, the wine's balance of sugar and acidity elevates the flavours.

While Nouvelles Confidences 2022 is delightful in its youth, it has strong aging potential. Its flavours will evolve, gaining depth and complexity while preserving its refreshing acidity.