Nicolas Joly - Clos de la Bergerie 2024
Nicolas Joly Clos de la Bergerie 2024 is part of the mythical universe of Coulée de Serrant, one of the most unique and respected estates in the Loire. Located in Savennières, on the slopes overlooking the Loire, the Joly family estate is world-renowned for its historic commitment to biodynamics and its very personal vision of Chenin Blanc. Clos de la Bergerie holds an essential place in the range, between Les Vieux Clos and the legendary Coulée de Serrant. This cuvée comes from the Savennières-Roche aux Moines appellation, one of the most prestigious terroirs in the region for great dry white wines with aging potential. The vines, about 30 years old, root themselves in schist and quartz soils that give the wine a strong mineral identity. The 2024 vintage highlights a particularly lively, pure, and energetic expression of the place. It is a great terroir Chenin, deep, vibrant, and intended for lovers of characterful Loire whites.
The Clos de la Bergerie 2024 cuvée is made exclusively from Chenin Blanc, the king grape of Savennières. The vineyard covers about 3.2 hectares, on slopes rather oriented to the east, less steep than those of Coulée de Serrant but equally marked by the schist identity of the area. Yields remain deliberately moderate, around 28 to 30 hectoliters per hectare, to preserve concentration, balance, and depth. The harvest is done manually in several passes, in the spirit of the estate, to seek complete ripeness and a faithful expression of the grape. Vinification is carried out without chaptalization, without yeast addition, and without artificial temperature control, with a clear intention to let the wine follow its own rhythm. Aging in used oak barrels supports the material without imposing dominant oak flavors. This approach produces a dry white that is both ample, lively, and deeply saline, where the power of Chenin is always held by the tension of the terroir.
In the glass, Clos de la Bergerie 2024 reveals an intense, mineral, and long-lasting profile. The nose evokes quince, ripe pear, candied citrus, orange peel, dried flowers, and a touch of sweet almond. Upon aeration, deeper nuances appear, between fine honey, soft spices, warm stone, and a slight iodine note. The palate is ample but perfectly tightened by great freshness and beautiful bitters that prolong the tasting. The finish is saline, chalky, and vibrant, with that unique energy that characterizes the great Chenins of Savennières. This wine will benefit greatly from being opened in advance or gently decanted to release all its complexity. It will ideally accompany creamy poultry, a noble fish, scallops, a seasonal vegetable risotto, roasted lobster, aged goat cheese, or cuisine with soft spices.
Grape variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
