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Sweet sweet
This is an exceptional historic Coteaux du Layon wine, showcasing the depth and refinement that more than four decades of ageing can bring. Moulin Touchais is renowned for producing sweet ‘Chenin Blanc’ wines that evolve not merely over decades but across generations, and the 1982 vintage is a remarkable testament to this philosophy. Today, the wine expresses not youthful fruitfulness but a sophisticated mosaic of aromas and textures, where time, terroir, and an extraordinary balance of sweetness and acidity come together in harmony.
The bouquet reveals aromas of dried apricot, quince jelly, orange marmalade, and acacia honey, complemented by notes of beeswax, caramelised citrus peel, toasted hazelnuts, dried flowers, and subtle exotic spices. The tertiary aromas developed through long bottle ageing add exceptional complexity and elegance. On the palate, the wine is rich yet surprisingly vibrant. Flavours of honey, dried fruits, candied citrus peel, and nuts are supported by lively acidity, which preserves balance and provides remarkable precision. The finish is long, profound, and exceptionally harmonious.
The wine is produced from hand-harvested ‘Chenin Blanc’ grapes picked in several passes through the vineyard to capture different levels of ripeness. Moulin Touchais traditionally harvests part of the crop earlier to preserve acidity and freshness, while the remaining grapes are left on the vine for extended ripening. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, maintaining the purity and aromatic precision of the variety.
Today, the 1982 vintage has reached a magnificent stage of maturity, where the primary fruit aromas have evolved into a complex tapestry of mature and tertiary notes. Despite being more than forty years old, the wine retains the vitality and structure that define the greatest Loire Valley ‘Chenin Blanc’ wines. It is a rare and highly collectible bottle, offering the opportunity to experience one of the world's most age-worthy styles of sweet wine.
Best served at 11–13°C. An excellent match for foie gras, blue cheeses, apple or apricot-based desserts, nut pastries, and aged hard cheeses.
Moulin Touchais – A Legend of Coteaux du Layon and Master of Chenin Blanc
Moulin Touchais is one of the oldest and most respected wineries in the Loire Valley. The estate was founded in 1787 in Doué-la-Fontaine, in the Anjou region, and has been owned by the Touchais family for more than eight generations. It is a true example of tradition and longevity. The winery is renowned for its exceptionally long-aged sweet Coteaux du Layon wines made from Chenin Blanc grapes.
Moulin Touchais wines are aged for a minimum of 10 years in underground cellars before being released to the market, while the best vintages can age gracefully for 30–50+ years. This philosophy allows the wines to achieve remarkable harmony, complexity, and incredible freshness even after several decades.
Terroir and Vineyards
The vineyards are situated on the best slopes of Coteaux du Layon (in Tigné, Martigné-Briand, and Maligné areas) on clay-limestone soils. The autumn microclimate, with morning mist and sunny afternoons, creates ideal conditions for the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). The winery works exclusively with selected plots and follows sustainable viticulture practices.
Winemaking Style
Moulin Touchais produces classic, elegant, and extremely long-ageing sweet Chenin Blanc wines. They are distinguished by a perfect balance between acidity and sweetness, along with rich notes of dried fruits, honey, nuts, and minerality. These wines pair beautifully not only with desserts but also with foie gras, blue cheeses, or as a meditative wine.
It is one of the few wineries in the world able to offer such an extensive collection of old vintages, perfectly illustrating the legendary longevity of Chenin Blanc and the greatness of Loire Valley terroir.
