Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

Which style of wine is produced in the best years in Layon Valley?

1. Dry red wines

2. Sweet botrytis wines

3. Sparkling wines

4. Rosé wines

The correct answer is: Sweet botrytis wines

The style of wine produced in the best years in the Layon Valley is indeed sweet botrytis wines. This region is renowned for its ability to produce high-quality sweet wines, particularly from the Chenin Blanc grape variety. These wines are typically affected by noble rot, known as botrytis cinerea, which concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes, leading to rich, complex, and luscious wines that are often highly sought after. The climate and specific conditions of Layon Valley create the ideal environment for this phenomenon to occur, especially in the best vintages when conditions allow for the development of botrytis. This results in wines that exhibit intense flavors and aromas ranging from honey and apricot to complex spice notes, making them highly regarded among wine enthusiasts. Dry red wines, sparkling wines, and rosé wines are not the primary focus of this particular region's production, especially in its most acclaimed years. These styles may be produced to some extent, but they do not achieve the level of recognition and quality that the botrytis-affected sweet wines do in Layon Valley.