Coulée de Serrant
Coulée de Serrant is one of the most prestigious and iconic vineyards in the Loire Valley, located in the Savennières appellation along the banks of the Loire River. It is a single-vineyard estate with a history dating back to the 12th century, originally planted by Cistercian monks. Today, it is owned and operated by the Joly family, with Nicolas Joly, a global pioneer in biodynamic viticulture, at its helm. This seven-hectare vineyard is its own AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée), one of the smallest and most revered in France, producing wines of extraordinary depth and complexity.
The vineyard is planted exclusively with Chenin Blanc, grown on steep, south-facing slopes with a mix of schist, quartz, and slate soils. This terroir, combined with the meticulous care given to the vines, results in wines that are intensely expressive of their origin. Coulée de Serrant is farmed biodynamically with the utmost respect for nature. The approach emphasizes harmony between the vines and their environment, using natural preparations, hand-harvesting, and minimal intervention in the winemaking process.
Coulée de Serrant wines are renowned for their longevity, often requiring years or even decades to reach their peak. They are complex, multifaceted, and deeply reflective of the Loire’s unique terroir. This estate embodies a philosophy that transcends winemaking, offering a spiritual connection to the land and a profound expression of its history and traditions.
Coulée de Serrant is one of the most prestigious and iconic vineyards in the Loire Valley, located in the Savennières appellation along the banks of the Loire River. It is a single-vineyard estate with a history dating back to the 12th century, originally planted by Cistercian monks. Today, it is owned and operated by the Joly family, with Nicolas Joly, a global pioneer in biodynamic viticulture, at its helm. This seven-hectare vineyard is its own AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée), one of the smallest and most revered in France, producing wines of extraordinary depth and complexity.
The vineyard is planted exclusively with Chenin Blanc, grown on steep, south-facing slopes with a mix of schist, quartz, and slate soils. This terroir, combined with the meticulous care given to the vines, results in wines that are intensely expressive of their origin. Coulée de Serrant is farmed biodynamically with the utmost respect for nature. The approach emphasizes harmony between the vines and their environment, using natural preparations, hand-harvesting, and minimal intervention in the winemaking process.
Coulée de Serrant wines are renowned for their longevity, often requiring years or even decades to reach their peak. They are complex, multifaceted, and deeply reflective of the Loire’s unique terroir. This estate embodies a philosophy that transcends winemaking, offering a spiritual connection to the land and a profound expression of its history and traditions.
Coulée de Serrant is one of the most prestigious and iconic vineyards in the Loire Valley, located in the Savennières appellation along the banks of the Loire River. It is a single-vineyard estate with a history dating back to the 12th century, originally planted by Cistercian monks. Today, it is owned and operated by the Joly family, with Nicolas Joly, a global pioneer in biodynamic viticulture, at its helm. This seven-hectare vineyard is its own AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée), one of the smallest and most revered in France, producing wines of extraordinary depth and complexity.
The vineyard is planted exclusively with Chenin Blanc, grown on steep, south-facing slopes with a mix of schist, quartz, and slate soils. This terroir, combined with the meticulous care given to the vines, results in wines that are intensely expressive of their origin. Coulée de Serrant is farmed biodynamically with the utmost respect for nature. The approach emphasizes harmony between the vines and their environment, using natural preparations, hand-harvesting, and minimal intervention in the winemaking process.
Coulée de Serrant wines are renowned for their longevity, often requiring years or even decades to reach their peak. They are complex, multifaceted, and deeply reflective of the Loire’s unique terroir. This estate embodies a philosophy that transcends winemaking, offering a spiritual connection to the land and a profound expression of its history and traditions.
Biodyna
Organic
Biodynamic
Natural
Socials
The wines of Coulée de Serrant are profound, complex, and unparalleled in their expression of Chenin Blanc and the unique terroir of Savennières. Produced biodynamically and with minimal intervention, these wines are both reflective of nature and capable of extraordinary aging. Their character evolves significantly over time, transitioning from youthful vibrancy to mature richness and depth.
Coulée de Serrant
The estate produces a single wine, Coulée de Serrant, crafted entirely from Chenin Blanc. This wine is considered one of the great white wines of the world, offering a truly unique tasting experience.
Characteristics in Youth
Aromatics: Notes of fresh citrus, green apple, quince, and white flowers, often complemented by subtle herbal and mineral undertones.
Palate: High acidity with a vibrant, taut structure. Flavors of pear, lemon zest, and crushed stones dominate, with hints of almond and honey appearing.
Finish: Long and mineral-driven, with a sense of freshness and precision.
Characteristics with Age
Aromatics: As it matures, the wine develops layers of complexity, showcasing aromas of dried apricots, baked apples, beeswax, toasted nuts, and earthy truffle.
Palate: The texture becomes richer and more viscous, with flavors of caramelized fruits, honey, and a savory, saline minerality.
Finish: Profoundly long, with a harmonious balance of sweetness, acidity, and a lingering sense of place.
Winemaking and Style
Biodynamic Philosophy: Farming practices follow the lunar calendar, using natural preparations to enhance the vitality of the vines and the land.
Minimal Intervention: Fermentation occurs naturally with indigenous yeasts, and the wines are neither fined nor filtered. Sulfur use is minimal.
Oak Aging: Wines are aged in neutral oak barrels, allowing for gentle oxygenation and the development of complexity without overpowering the fruit.
Tasting Experience
Coulée de Serrant is a wine that rewards patience and contemplation. It demands time to unfold in the glass and benefits from decanting, even when enjoyed young. The interplay of fruit, minerality, and texture makes it a wine of extraordinary depth, capable of captivating both seasoned collectors and those new to fine Chenin Blanc.
Food Pairing
The wine pairs beautifully with rich dishes such as roasted poultry, creamy seafood, and truffle-infused cuisine. Its versatility also makes it a match for aged cheeses or more adventurous pairings, such as foie gras or umami-rich vegetarian dishes.
Coulée de Serrant is more than a wine; it is a reflection of a storied vineyard, a philosophy of balance with nature, and a tradition of excellence that has stood the test of centuries.
