Wines Bonnezeaux Château Les Grandes Vignes - 2015

Viniou Reviews

Château Les Grandes Vignes 2015 from Bonnezeaux AOC is an exemplary sweet white wine hailing from the Anjou-Saumur sub-region in the Loire Valley. Crafted predominantly from Chenin Blanc, a grape celebrated for its vibrant acidity and exceptional ageing potential, this 2015 vintage showcases the character of late-harvest botrytised grapes. The vines benefit from vineyards that are gently sloped and composed of schist and sandstone soils, which contribute minerality and finesse to the wine. The selective harvesting of grapes affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) allows for the concentration of sugars and complex aromatics, typically followed by careful fermentation and ageing to enhance the wine’s natural richness and honeyed profile.

The Bonnezeaux appellation, situated near the town of Thouarcé, is one of the Loire Valley’s most renowned sources for liquoreux wines. The region’s temperate maritime climate, tempered by the Loire River and its tributaries, ensures morning mists and warm afternoons, ideal conditions for the development of noble rot. This phenomenon imparts the wines with remarkable depth and intensity. With a viticultural tradition dating back centuries, Bonnezeaux has built a reputation for producing some of France’s finest sweet wines, balancing generosity of fruit, vibrant acidity, and remarkable longevity.

Richly aromatic, Château Les Grandes Vignes Bonnezeaux 2015 bursts with notes of ripe apricot, honey, quince, and subtle layers of citrus peel and spice. Its luscious sweetness is elegantly counterbalanced by refreshing acidity, making it a perfect match for classic foie gras, blue cheese such as Roquefort, or desserts like tarte Tatin and poached pears. For a local pairing, try rillauds d’Anjou (slow-cooked pork belly) or a mature goat’s cheese from the region; both underline the wine’s complexity and freshness beautifully.

To fully appreciate its aromatic richness and texture, serve this Bonnezeaux at a cool 8-10°C. Decanting is not necessary, but allowing the wine to breathe for a short while in the glass can further enhance its expressive bouquet and layered palate. This is a wine to savour slowly, either as an exceptional aperitif or a memorable conclusion to a fine meal.