Created in 1787, Domaine Touchais is one of the oldest wine domaine in Anjou, passed down through eight generations of vignerons. This domaine is best known for their sweet Chenin blancs, which are released after a minimum of 10 years of aging, with a range of available older vintages spanning 40-50 years! The same ancestral methods have been used over the generations, both in the vineyards and in the winery.

The vineyards are sustainably managed and planted in the clay-limestone soils in the heart of the Coteaux du Layon appellation. The appellation’s microclimate, typically one of cold, misty mornings and hot, dry afternoons in the autumn, allows the grapes to ripen well and helps develop the noble rot (Botrytis Cinerea) needed for the production of this wine.

Chenin Blanc is harvested in several successive pickings according to the grapes’ level of maturity and the development of Botrytis Cinerea. A first picking is carried out when the grapes are just at maturity to ensure the wine has good acidity. This is followed by two to three pickings in which only the overripe bunches are harvested to bring sweetness and aromatic concentration.