The Clos de la Coulée de Serrant is a singular appellation, located in the heart of the Savennières appellation, enjoying a climate not dissimilar to that of Burgundy. Planted in the 12th century by the Cistercian monks of the Saint-Nicolas d'Angers abbey, this seven-hectare vineyard is ideally located overlooking the Loire, at the spot where the Serrant stream meets the river itself. Louis XI and Louis XIV had proclaimed this wine to be among their favourites. The plots of land here enoy a micro-climate caused by the closeness of the river and stream, and are exclusively planted with Chenin Blanc (or Pineau de la Loire), a grape variety that is appreciated for its wonderful acidity and aromatic punch.Nicolas Joly, a key defender of the use of biodynamics since 1985, uses no chemical fertilisers or pesticides, allowing this exceptional land to be fully expressed through its wines. It combines understanding of the almanac with respect to soil preparation, regeneration, and all the necessary vine care and maintenance required throughout the year. Some treatments are therefore applied to the vines at very specific dates, determined in accordance with the position of the sun, the moon and the stars. In the same vein, allowing the land to be fully expressed through the wine, the estate used new wood in moderation in order not to tamper with its authentic taste.

The vines of the Coulée de Serrant vineyard was first planted by Cistercian monks in the 12th century; this makes 2014 the 884th consecutive vintage! Nicolas Joly is a great disciple of biodynamics, having produced several works on this subject. His philosophy thus informs his every act, in the vineyard as in the cellar. Harvests are naturally manual, picking from slightly botrytised grapes. Yields are low (between 20 and 25 hl/ha) – well below the legal limit – in keeping with the continual quest for quality fruit. Wines are vinified with indigenous yeasts before being stored in ancient subterranean cellars or in the cellars of the 18th century property. “Les Vieux Clos” cuvée belongs to the Savenières appellation. Vines are, on average, 20 years old and derive from cuttings from the most successful, non-cloned, vine stock; this ensures the precious aromatic complexity. Soils are composed of a combination of schist and quartz, with some areas of sand. Vinification takes place in wood or tanks.