2020 Domaine de Bellivière Jasnières Prémices

WINEMAKER: Christine, Clément & Eric Nicolas
REGION: Loire Valley, FR
VARIETAL: Chenin Blanc
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic

Prémices is Bellivière's opening Chenin Blanc, a Jasnières which was originally made from fruit from vines in conversion to biodynamic farming after Eric and Christine Nicolas's aquisition of the Bellivière estate. Since the whole estate is now fully converted to biodynamics, Prémices has evolved into being a barrel selection of the most fruit-forward of the Jasnières--so it remains the first release and the most approachable and straightforward in its youth. The fruit comes from a range of estate parcels on flinty clay soils over tuffeau (limestone).

"Enticing aromas of white peach, pear, lime-flower and wet stone; the palate is very mineral and crisp with firm acidity with white and yellow fruits and a beautiful tender yet stony finish. This is the furthest North outpost of the Loire and there is nice tension. In 2020 the weather again provided for wines that were not completely dry but please note they are laser fresh and delicious with superb acidity and tension - this wine will cellar well too." - Andrew Guard

All vineyard treatments are organic, careful plowing is done to protect soil fauna and minimal organic composts are applied. New plantings are by massale-selection from their old vines, vinifications are in barrel with wild yeasts, and their new cuverie permits all handling of the grapes and wine by gravity without pumping. Bellivière wines are made in a very natural manner but are meticulous and fine. The cellar is carved out of the hillside tuffeau and maintains consistent temperature and humidity (thus there is zero temperature control of any kind).