2022 Prémices

Dry style...
Prémices is Bellivière's opening Chenin Blanc, a Jasnières which was originally made from fruit from vines in conversion to biodynamic farming after Eric and Christine Nicolas's aquisition of the Bellivière estate.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). It is harvested manually, direct-pressed and fermented in barrel with native yeasts and minimal sulfur; it is aged an average of 10 months in used barrels. 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 2022 the weather provided for wines that are nicely dry and as usual laser fresh and delicious with superb acidity and tension - this wine will cellar well of course too!