# Les Vieux Clos (2023)

- **Producer:** Château de la Roche-aux-Moines
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** 100% Chenin Blanc
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €47
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** ripe fruit, dried fruit, yellow fruit, oxidative

## About this wine

Les Vieux Clos is a 100% Chenin Blanc from Château de la Roche-aux-Moines in the Savennières AOC of the Loire Valley, France. The estate is managed by the Joly family, with Nicolas Joly being a globally recognized advocate for biodynamic farming since the 1980s. The vineyards, with a history dating back to 1130, are planted on gentle, east-facing slopes with soils of shale, quartz, and sand. The estate is certified organic and biodynamic. Les Vieux Clos is considered the most aromatic and inviting expression from the estate, known for its profound power and aging potential, reflecting the unique energy of the Savennières schist slopes.

## Interesting facts

- The estate's vineyards were first planted by Cistercian monks in 1130.
- Nicolas Joly is a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture, advocating for it since the early 1980s.
- Grapes are sometimes harvested in up to five passes to ensure perfect ripeness.
- The wine is aged in non-new oak barrels.

## Food pairing

The wine's intensity and minerality pair well with rich seafood and poultry dishes. Its dry profile and subtle oxidative notes complement the richness of creamy sauces and the natural sweetness of shellfish, while its structure can stand up to more complex preparations.

## Wine making process

Les Vieux Clos is produced using 100% Chenin Blanc grapes from Château de la Roche-aux-Moines. The estate adheres to strict biodynamic and organic farming practices. Grapes are harvested manually, sometimes in multiple passes. Fermentation is carried out using indigenous yeasts from the vineyard, with minimal sulfur added. The wine is then aged in non-new oak barrels before bottling. This approach emphasizes minimal intervention to allow the purity of the grape and the expression of the Savennières terroir to shine through.