Spread over 27 municipalities, the vineyards of the Layon slopes produced the Loire Valley's most renowned wines. There are seven AOCs here, which each reflect their individual land. Six municipalities may see their names incorporated into the Coteaux du Layon AOC: Rochefort sur Loire, St Aubin de Luigné, St Lambert du Lattay, Beaulieu sur Layon, Faye d'Anjou and Rablay sur Layon, as well as the village of Chaume, whose maximum yield is 25 hl/ha, producing the finest and creamiest wines. Gravelly land with higher proportions of schist, siliceous or partially clay soils depending on the area has resulted in fortified wines with intense complexity. The grapes are exclusively from the Chenin Blanc variety, and are harvested by successive sorting once the noble rot has reached its apex. Côteaux de Layon wines are famed for their beautiful pale gold colour, sometimes featuring an almost greenish tinge, and for their wonderful aromas of peach, apricot, honey and acacia, as well as their roundness, suppleness and full-bodied character. The ageing potential of these wines is truly exceptional.