Savennières Wine
Savennières - which was considered the height of fashion in Napoleonic times and featured in the extensive cellar of Empress Josephine - is enjoying something of a Renaissance as a younger generation of questing wine-makers explore new techniques and innovations. Paul Bizard is a good example of this new wave having taken over the estate from his father Luc in 2018. Today, he cultivates 11 hectares of vines (10 of Chenin Blanc and 1 of Cabernet Franc) on elevated south and south-east facing slopes rich in schist and blue volcanic phtanite which absorb heat and help advance ripening. He has a keen interest in biodiversity and has introduced 20 beehives and numerous nesting boxes to the vineyard. He has also left a sizeable parcel of deciduous woodland untouched to encourage wildlife. All of his vines are hand-tended and the grapes are harvested by triage which involves successive passages through the rows of vines picking only the ripest grapes.
Paul's principal wine in terms of volume produced is named 'Le Parc'. It is dry, nervy and drinks well on its youthful fruit. With diverse wildflower and herb scents and a nervy, citrus-edged palate with an elegantly long finish, it makes a versatile
Perhaps the most elite Savennières to be found hails from the monopole sub-appellation of 'Coulée de Serrant', which comprises just 7 hectares of Chenin Blanc vines that are farmed biodynamically by the Joly family. 2023 sees our half-century of working together over the generations with winemaking now presided over by Virginie who follows her father Nicolas' methodology of minimal intervention and adherence to the lunar calendar. The finished wine has a complex bouquet of russet apples, fennel and wild herbs and a palate of diverse fruit flavours underscored by fresh acidity. It should not be served too chilled, merits decanting and ages well for 10 to 20+ years.
