When you want to experience the best of Chenin Blanc you begin with Savennières and when you want to experience the best of Savennières you begin with Joly”. This is how Wine Enthusiast begins its review of Savennières Les Vieux Clos Vignobles de la Coulee de Serrant. Last year’s vintage scored 96 points, and the 2023 vintage, which has just been released and stands out for its freshness and precision, is expected to reach even greater heights. At this point, let us tell you something interesting: the bottles are super limited.
We really think that Nicolas Joly needs no introduction. He is one of the pioneers and “teachers” of Biodynamic cultivation, one of the most iconic winemakers, not only in the Loire but also in the world, while his wines are considered legendary and super hard to find. Imagine that Robert Parker called him the “godfather of Savennières” since the foundation of their winery, Vignobles de la Coulee de Serrant, is located in Savennières, and Chenin Blanc is the variety that truly shines under their guidance..
Specifically, for Savennières Les Vieux Clos 2023 Vignobles de la Coulee de Serrant, the grapes come from vines that are approximately 20 years old. The soils of Les Clos consist mainly of slate but also of quartz and to a lesser extent of sand. The harvest is done in 4-5 different passes so that the grapes are only picked when they have reached optimum ripeness, with some berries affected by botrytis (noble rot).
Joly also believes that Chenin – along with Riesling – is one of the very few grape varieties that can fully express their personality only through a fairly advanced ripeness, which also includes “noble rot”. The wine undergoes fermentation using indigenous yeasts and matures in aged oak barrels for approximately 5 to 9 months. This process yields an impressive concentration and a distinctive complexity, a hallmark of the finest white wines globally..
Savennières Les Vieux Clos 2023, a rare and magnificent white wine, is a must-try!
