Quarts de Chaume and Chaume – video of the two recently promoted appellations

Bunch of sweet grapes in the Quarts de Chaume: 28th September 2011 

Video here made in October 2011 of Chaume and Quarts de Chaume (vigneetvin) with Patrice Achard (president of Chaume) and Claude Papin (President of Quarts de Chaume) on the Loire's first Grand Cru (Q de C) and first Premier Cru (Coteaux du Layon Premier Cru Chaume).

The French Prime Minister, François Fillion, signed the new décrets into law on 22nd November 2011. These new laws have now been challenged by Jean and Florent Baumard, who have lodged a legal complaint with the Conseil d'Etat (France's Supreme Court). I will be returning to this legal challenge in more detail shortly.

During the interview Claude Papin mentions that the desire to promote Quarts de Chaume to Grand Cru dates back to the 1960s – back to the 10th October 1968 to be precise. Claude also stresses that the acceptance of these two crus opens the door to other Loire special vineyards/appellations being promoted to grand or premier cru status. In time an appellation like Savennières La Roche aux Moines might well be a candidate. 

 

Map showing the two new appellations