Domaine Nicolas Joly Saviennières Clos De La Coulée De Serrant

Wine Information
First planted in 1130 by Cistercian monks, the Clos de la Coulée de Serrant has been in the Joly family since 1962. Nicolas Joly began converting the family domaine to biodynamics in 1981 and has been a leader in the movement to apply Rudolf Steiner’s agricultural philosophy to the vine. His daughter, Virginie, worked her first harvest in 2002, and has brought a pragmatic vision to her father’s holistic goals. The 17.2 acres of vines at the Clos are between 35 and 80 years old, growing on steep schist slopes. The wine ferments and ages in 500-liter barrels, with no more than five percent new oak in a vintage. Whether or not you appreciate the style and the sometimes-oxidative character, there are no other wines like it. Deep gold in color, dark in its earthy savor, this layers floral scents, ginger and ripe pineapple with earthy notes of schist. It has a kind of invisible freshness, open and racy, delicately detailed. Give this time in the cellar and plenty of air; it is used to oxygen and only gains freshness over the course of several days open.

"Golden yellow. Aromas of tobacco, ripe yellow peach and brioche. A multilayered wine with its own distinctly “orange” character, the broad-shouldered apricot flavor is accented by tea leaf and lime. Concentrated, warm and deep, finishing with an unmistakable extract sweetness and a supple texture. This was my favorite of the six Chenin Blancs I tasted at the estate..." --Stephen Tanzer 

Size: 7 ha (17.30 ac)
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Vine Age: Due to re-plantings, the average age is 35-40 years old (oldest vines planted in 1935)
Terroir: Steep south-facing slopes, shallow schist and quartz soils.
Viticulture: Certified organic and biodynamic (since 1981)
Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation in tank or 500L barrel (no chaptilization or temperature control). Aged for 6-8 months in 500L barrels (5% max. new oak), low sulfur doses.