EARL Nicolas Joly

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. The economist with an MBA from Columbia University in New York took over his parents' vineyard in 1977. By chance he came into contact with the ideas of the anthroposophist Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). He was enthusiastic and in the 1980s he consistently converted the entire winery 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. These include the Coulée-de-Serrant steep slope (or Clos de la Coulée-de-Serrant), which was already planted by the Cistercians and is in their sole possession, with seven hectares of vines. This vineyard is classified as its own appellation Coulée-de-Serrant.

The white wine "Coulée de Serrant", made from 100% pure Chenin Blanc, has become a cult wine, is considered the best white wine of 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. From the vineyard "Clos de la Bergerie", the white wine of the same name is pressed. Both wines reach their peak only after five to ten years at the earliest. Joly recommends decanting the wines for 24 hours. From three hectares of the AOC Savennières, the white wine "Becherelle" is produced from Chenin Blanc. Joly also founded the organic association La Renaissance des Appellations.

Image: VINUM