With the advent of modern agriculture and farming, the once notable appellation of Coteaux du Layon fell into sad decline. While a few stalwarts maintained the quality levels that made this appellation popular in the early 20th century, most of the production was geared more towards cheap, plentiful, and insipidly sweet. But the sweeter wine styles of the Layon and western Anjou are worth preserving because when they are done right, the results can be breathtaking. Domaine Belargus makes an utterly sumptuous and classic Coteaux du Layon from 6.51 hectares of mainly south-facing vineyard sites planted on schist soils between Beaulieu and Val-du-Layon. If anyone can put Coteaux du Layon back on the map, it would be Domaine Belargus.
