Rochefort Sur Loire is where the famous Coteaux du Layon sweet white wines are produced in the western Loire valley. There are six Coteaux du Layon settlements producing wine from the Chenin Blanc grape variety. The region and its wines are shaped by the location near the tributaries of rivers of various sizes. Wine is produced using grapes that have undergone repeated passes of harvesting to maintain consistent levels of Botrytis in the crop.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Rochefort Sur Loire!

Where is the Rochefort Sur Loire wine region?

In the Anjou district at the western end of the Loire Valley, Rochefort Sur Loire is one of the six communities that make up the Coteaux du Layon appellation. The location is on the Coteaux du Layon zone's northern edge. Due to its location at where the Layon and Loire rivers converge, this wonderful wine-growing community is surrounded by water on three sides. Overlooking Layon is the Rochefort Sur Loire's southern vineyard. Rochefort Sur Loire wine region lies 91km west of Nantes, 115km southwest of Le Mans, 145km west of Tours and 315km southwest of Paris. 

History of the Rochefort Sur Loire wine region

Loire Valley is famous for its noteworthy castles from the 15th to the 17th centuries. The area was a secure haven away from the political backstabbing of Paris, and French kings and noblemen appreciated and cherished it for this reason. Several castles can be found in Rochefort Sur Loire, and the fortresses of Dieuze and St. Offange guard the old medieval town, which is perched on the St. Symphorien rock. The ruins of the castle of Saint Offange are still visible. The Romans were the first to grow vines in the Rochefort sur Loire wine region, where winemaking has been practiced for more than 2000 years. As the wine trade began through the Loire valley, the region's winemaking flourished.

The terroir and geography of the Rochefort Sur Loire wine region

The Pays de la Loire department in Anjou is home to the 27.8 sq km-long Rochefort Sur Loire wine area. The area is located between 12 and 104 meters above sea level. Three rivers that have shaped the mesoclimate of the area surround this unusual wine-growing hamlet. Botrytis may form as a result of the morning fog and dawn sunshine. Chaume and Quarts de Chaume, the first Premier cru and Grand cru of the Loire valley, are both found in this area.

Popular grape varieties from the Rochefort Sur Loire wine region

The Rochefort Sur Loire wine region only produces Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc grape is a thin-skinned grape variety, which makes it prone to be impacted by the noble rot that forms in this area as a result of early fogs followed by dry and sunny days. To ensure stability in the degree of Botrytis, the winemakers in this area practice selective harvest. Because of the richness of the Chenin musts, fermentation takes a lot longer and is carried out at a controlled temperature. Additionally, barrel or vat aging is also practiced. 

Food to pair with Rochefort Sur Loire wine 

Bresse chicken

Bresse chicken is a type of poultry that comes from the Bresse region of France. This type of chicken is known for its tender and delicate taste, which comes from the special way it is raised. It's also known for being a very expensive type of poultry, which makes it more difficult to find in stores.

Bresse chickens are usually given grain to eat and they are also given beer to drink in order to make them plump up before cooking them. The chickens are usually raised in a free-range environment, which has an effect on the flavor as well. The Bresse chicken's unique characteristics have made it a favorite for chefs around the world who prize its flavor and texture, as well as its ability to be cooked whole or cut into pieces.

Roquefort Cheese

Roquefort cheese is a type of blue cheese that has been produced in the village of Roquefort, France, for more than 700 years. It has a distinct taste and flavor that is not found in any other type of cheese.

Roquefort cheese is made from sheep's milk. It has a distinct taste and flavor that cannot be found in any other type of cheese. The distinctive taste comes from the mold, Penicillium roqueforti, which was originally found on the straw used to cover the cheeses.

Almond tart

Almond tart is a dessert that is very popular in the Mediterranean region. It is made with flour, sugar, eggs and ground almonds. Almond tart has a sweet taste, and it is usually served with coffee or tea. 

Almond tart originated in the Mediterranean region. It was originally made with honey as the sweetener but now most people use sugar instead. The original recipe also included bread crumbs but these are no longer used today because they were considered to be too heavy for the dessert. This almond tart recipe is a perfect dessert for any occasion. It's rich and creamy, but not too sweet.

Places to visit in the Rochefort Sur Loire wine region

Castle of Saint-Offange

The ruins of the fortress of Saint-Offange is located in a volcano in Angevin valley, in Rochefort Sur Loire which was said to be built in 12th century. The site was first designated as protected site in 1943 and later into Corniche Angevine site in 2003. The castle was originally named Castle of Baron de Rochefort but was changed to the modern name Castle of Saint Offange as the Saint Offange brothers acquired the castle during the 16th century. Discover the remains of the fortified castle which offers breathtaking views. 

The Éperonnière castle

The family owned Eperonniere castle is located in the heart of the Coteaus du Layon and is also a designated UNESCO world heritage site since 2008. The castle has become a wonderful place of wine production and unique reception. The Tijou family who currently owns the castle has been looking after the castle for generations. The family has renovated the chateau making the estate one of the spectacular property with impeccable taste. The traditional architecture and finest artisanal decoration dates back to the 13th century. The estate is covered by the vineyards on both sides. 

Frequently asked questions about Rochefort Sur Loire

Where is the Rochefort Sur Loire wine region located?

Rochefort Sur Loire is one of the six towns that make up the Coteaux du Layon appellation, and it is located in the Anjou region at the western end of the Loire Valley. The area lies on the northern boundary of the Coteaux du Layon zone. This beautiful wine-growing region is bordered by water on three sides due to its location at the confluence of the Layon and Loire rivers. The southern vineyard of Rochefort Sur Loire looks over Layon. The Rochefort Sur Loire wine area is located 315 kilometers southwest of Paris, 91 kilometers west of Nantes, 115 kilometers south of Le Mans, and 145 kilometers west of Tours.

What are some of the best Rochefort Sur Loire wines that people should try?

Andre Sorin Domaine de La Motte Coteaux du Layon Rochefort, Loire, France
Chateau Pierre-Bise Coteaux du Layon Rochefort Les Rayelles, Loire, France
J. Gaschet Domaine des Martereaux Coteaux du Layon Rochefort, Loire, France

What are the different kinds of grapes that grow in the Rochefort Sur Loire appellation?

Chenin Blanc is the only wine variety produced in Rochefort Sur Loire. Chenin Blanc reacts well to the noble rot caused by the early fogs, enhancing the fruit's sweetness and flavor. The winemakers also collect grapes that have been plucked from the vines at various harvest times to guarantee consistency in the degree of botrytis.

What kind of wine is a Rochefort Sur Loire?

Rochefort Sur Loire wines are wonderfully versatile, fruity and fantastic sweet wines. These wines are highly aromatic with notes of mango, citrus, peach, pineapple, honey and nuts. The wines are sweet with hint of zingyness. The roundness of acidity and sweetness makes it a versatile wines.

Map of Wineries in Rochefort Sur Loire

Discover the locations of wineries in Rochefort Sur Loire