Once nearly forgotten after the devastating frost of 1956, the tiny AOCs of Jasnières and Coteaux-du-Loir have been revived thanks to pioneers like Joël Gigou and, more recently, Eric and Christine Nicolas of Domaine de Bellivière. Drawn to the Loire by its passionate growers, the couple transformed a modest property into 14 hectares spread across 65 parcels, planted densely with Chenin Blanc and Pineau d’Aunis and farmed organically from the outset, later certified biodynamic in 2011. With meticulous hand-harvesting, parcel-by-parcel vinifications, and a willingness to let fermentations find their own balance, the Nicolas family crafts a range of expressive cuvées—from fresh, fruit-forward bottlings to powerful old-vine selections, and reds from the rare Pineau d’Aunis. Their wines marry tradition with innovation, housed since 2015 in a striking, gravity-flow cellar that allows for precise, gentle winemaking. Now joined by their son Clément, the family also runs a négociant label, Les Arches de Bellivière, expanding their reach while keeping their focus on authenticity and terroir-driven wines that have put this once-languishing corner of the Loire back on the map.
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