Moulin Touchais Coteaux du Layon 2005

Winery Background and History

Established in 1787, Domaine Moulin Touchais is a historic estate located in the Loire Valley’s Anjou region. For over eight generations, the Touchais family has been dedicated to producing exceptional sweet wines under the Coteaux du Layon appellation. The estate spans 150 hectares, with only 25% devoted to AOC Coteaux du Layon, focusing on the Chenin Blanc grape. In the mid-20th century, Joseph Touchais implemented a unique practice of aging wines in their extensive underground cellars for at least a decade before release, allowing them to develop complexity while retaining youthful freshness. This tradition continues today, with the estate renowned for its library of old vintages, some over a century old. The wines of Moulin Touchais are celebrated for their remarkable longevity, often aging gracefully for 50 to 100 years. 

Producer and Winemaker

Currently, Jean-Marie Touchais, the eighth generation of the family, manages the estate. He upholds the traditional methods established by his ancestors, ensuring the production of high-quality sweet wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Loire Valley. The winemaking process emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the natural characteristics of the Chenin Blanc grapes to shine through. 

Vineyards and Microclimate

Moulin Touchais’ vineyards are situated on south-facing slopes along the Layon River, benefiting from a microclimate that favors the development of noble rot (botrytis cinerea). The soils are predominantly schistous, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the mineral complexity of the wines. The estate employs a unique harvesting strategy, conducting two separate pickings: the first harvest occurs approximately 80 days after flowering, yielding grapes with high acidity, while the second takes place around 120 days post-flowering, selecting overripe grapes rich in sugars. This approach ensures a balance between sweetness and acidity in the final wine. 

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Chenin Blanc

Vinification & Aging Methods

After gentle pneumatic pressing, the must undergoes clarification before fermentation in stainless steel tanks, a method chosen to preserve the fresh fruit characteristics and natural acidity of the Chenin Blanc grapes. The wines typically contain between 70 and 80 grams of residual sugar per liter, achieving a harmonious balance between sweetness and acidity. Following fermentation, the wine is bottled relatively early, in April following the harvest, and then aged in the estate’s extensive underground cellars for at least ten years before release. This prolonged aging process allows the wine to develop complexity and depth while maintaining its youthful freshness. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5%

Tasting Notes

The 2005 Moulin Touchais Coteaux du Layon presents a ripe and unctuous profile, featuring flavors of creamed peach, mango, and guava that glide throughout the palate. The wine stays bright and defined thanks to well-integrated chamomile and salted butter accents. There’s a flattering feel through the finish, with a light marzipan hint starting to emerge. This wine is just beginning to open up and should continue to evolve gracefully for quite some time. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This luscious sweet wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its rich flavors and balanced acidity make it an excellent companion to foie gras, blue cheeses, and fruit-based desserts such as tarte tatin or apricot tart. It also complements spicy Asian cuisine, where the sweetness can offset heat and enhance complex flavors.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and richness, serve the wine slightly chilled at around 10-12°C (50-54°F) in medium-sized white wine glasses. Decanting is not necessary, but allowing the wine to breathe for a few minutes after pouring can enhance its aromas.

Storage and Aging Potential

The 2005 Moulin Touchais Coteaux du Layon is renowned for its exceptional aging potential. While it is already displaying impressive complexity, it will continue to develop and evolve over the next several decades, with a potential to age gracefully for 50 to 100 years. Proper storage in a cool, dark environment with stable temperatures will allow the wine to reach its full potential. 

Scores

• Wine Spectator: 94 Points 

• John Gilman: 95+ Points