The winery is located in the municipality of Savennières in the French wine-growing region of Loire. The legendary owner Nicolas Joly (*1945) is one of the most important pioneers of biodynamic viticulture. An economics graduate with an MBA from Columbia University in New York, he took over his parents' winery in 1977. By chance, he came into contact with the ideas of the anthroposophist Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), was enthusiastic and in the 1980s systematically reorganised the entire business according to anthroposophical guidelines. In 1997, he published the book "Le vin - du ciel à la terre" (engl. "Soulful Wine"). The vineyards cover a total of 15 hectares of vines. This includes the steep slope Coulée-de-Serrant (or Clos de la Coulée-de-Serrant), which was already planted by the Cistercians and is the sole property of the estate, with seven hectares of vines. This vineyard is classified as a separate Coulée-de-Serrant appellation.
The white wine "Coulée de Serrant", made from 100% pure Chenin Blanc dry grapes, has become a cult wine, is described as the best white wine in the Loire and is one of the best and most expensive wines in the world. The estate also owns three hectares of the similar AOC area Savennières Roche-aux-Moines. The white wine of the same name is pressed from the "Clos de la Bergerie" vineyard. Both wines only reach their peak after five to ten years at the earliest. Joly recommends decanting the wines for 24 hours. The white wine "Becherelle" from Chenin Blanc is produced from three hectares of the AOC Savennières. Joly also founded the organic association La Renaissance des Appellations.
Picture: VINUM
