Bonnezeaux AC [bawn-ZOH]
Small appellation that nestles in the Anjou region of France’s Loire Valley. Located within the larger côteaux du Layon appellation, Bonnezeaux is one of the two premier dessert wines from the Loire—Quarts de Chaume is the other. Both have grand cru status. The grapes used are Chenin Blanc, which, in better years, are attacked by Botrytis cinerea (noble rot). This mold produces shriveled, raisiny, intensely sweet grapes that in turn create rich, luscious wines. The Chenin Blanc grape’s naturally high acid content helps these wines age well—some for 20 years or more.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.