Nicolas Joly - Savennières 'Les Vieux Clos' 2021

Famille Joly is widely known as one of the greatest biodynamic wine producers in France, embodying the intersection of well-respected history and refined technique. The estate is owned by the Joly family, led by Nicolas Joly, and aims to express the natural balance and beauty of the Loire Valley Chenin Blanc vineyards with respect and minimal intervention. Coulée de Serrant, the family monopole, anchors the estate, and recently celebrated its 890^th harvest. The three vineyards, each of which is used for a single vineyard wine, are located southwest of Angers, and are farmed entirely biodynamically. Joly’s pursuit is to emphasize each unique facet of these sites, from the age, health and typicity of the soil, to the vine’s orientation and the micro-climate that surrounds them. Famille Joly wines are created to depict the balance of nature and it’s energy.

Les Vieux Clos is produced from the younger Chenin vines of the estate. With an average age of 20 years and planted in soils that are mainly schist (shale) with some clay, sand and quartz, the vines are the result of the selection massale process, whereby the cuttings are selected from the most prized vines in the vineyards to replant. Yields run 30-35 hl/hectare where 50hl are allowed in the appellation. Only indigenous yeasts are used and the wine is aged in both neutral oak barrels and vats.

The resulting wine provides expressive exotic notes of ginger and coriander balanced with candied pear and an accent of salinity. Les Vieux Clos is often considered the most aromatic of the three wines from Nicolas Joly.

Producer: Nicolas Joly

Country: France

Region: Loire Valley

Varietal: Chenin Blanc

Appellation: Savennieres

Vintage: 2021

Size: 750ml