Domaine Virgile Joly

Nicolas Joly

Les Vieux Clos Savennières Chenin Blanc 2022

“Nothing added, nothing removed” is a phrase some use to describe the philosophy of low-intervention (or “natural”) winemaking. 🌱

The winemaker is like a vessel, carrying Mother Nature’s gifts from the land (and vintage) to your glass, where each sip can transport you to a particular place and time.

Nicolas Joly is an illustrious vigneron revered for his deep commitment to biodynamics and minimal intervention winemaking. 👏 He leads his family’s estate – Famille Joly – located in the prestigious appellation of Savennières in the Anjou-Saumur region of Loire Valley and specializes in top quality, cerebral, age-worthy dry whites made from the Chenin Blanc grape.

This takes patience, strength, and resilience for which the seahorse is a spiritual symbol (among other things). 🌊 It’s no wonder the Famille Joly features this beautiful, gentle creature on its bottle and labels.

This wine comes from ‘Les Vieux Clos’ where vines are harvested at 25 hL/ha which is HALF of the appellation’s allowance of 50 hL/ha.  👀

As a result of favorable growing conditions and these low yields, the grapes were allowed to become ripe, which explains the high alcohol at 14% ABV and round but balanced fruit expression.

This wine underwent a wild fermentation, followed by a natural malolactic conversion (MLC), and then it aged 12 months in large neutral oak with no fining or filtering before bottling.

The color is pale gold. On the nose and palate are harmonious notes of yellow apple, quince, papaya, dried orange peel, citrus blossom, chamomile, ginger, saffron, cinnamon, cream, white pepper, lanolin, wet slate …

It has power and elegance, nuance and vibrancy, with a persistent finish.  We think it pairs nicely with the baked herb & lemon salmon, asparagus and couscous.

Cheers to winemakers who share a piece of their land and heritage with the world one glass at a time! 🥂🥂🥂
— a day ago

Deked1
with Deked1
Deked1, Severn and 15 others liked this

Domaine Virgile Joly

Vin De Pays D'Oc Bourret

Beautiful Naked Wines bottle, favourite one we have had from them — 3 years ago

Foissy Joly

Cuvée Coup de Coeur Champagne Blend 2013

16.5/20 (90/100) Спелый яблоки и груша, слива, сдоба. Заметная сладость, высокая кислотность. Фруктовое во вкусе. Приятное во всех отношениях шампанское. — 4 years ago

Peter and Julia liked this

Nicolas Joly

Clos de la Coulée de Serrant Savennières Chenin Blanc 1999

Chilled and opened about an hour before dinner and allowed to gently come to temp. Served alongside charcoal grilled Thai sausage, sticky rice, coconut Thai curry, herb salad, shallot, lime, garlic, chiles. Tonight, this bottle was nothing short of remarkable. A deep golden color with gorgeous notes of squishy tropical fruit, white flowers, and turmeric. Wooly and waxy with acid for dayzzz. Stunning now but this bottle would show well through 2029 without breaking a sweat. — 23 days ago

Jan, Ira and 6 others liked this

Virgile Lignier

Les Faconnières 1er Cru Morey St. Denis

Very good after 30-45 minutes. Wonderful juice and a surprise from the “ladybug” year — 3 years ago

Ronchi di Cialla

Colli Orientali del Friuli Cialla Bianco 2013

This is a very funky wine, similar to a Joly Chenin. Yellow apples, pear, orange, lemon, tangerine, beeswax. — 4 years ago

Ellie K
with Ellie
Brian, Peter and 6 others liked this

Nicolas Joly

Clos de la Bergerie Savennières Roche aux Moines Chenin Blanc 2016

Outstanding, showing primary and tertiary 50/50, lovely yellow and white fruits, salinity, some oxygen taking hold, florals, lanolin, and excellent acidity drives this into a long, complex finish. — 4 months ago

Brian, Lyle and 5 others liked this

Domaine du Collier

Saumur Blanc Chenin Blanc 2009

Popped and poured, consumed over several hours. Initially served chilled and then allowed to come up to room temperature. It should be noted that this was lovely from the first pour but improved with air and as it warmed. The 2009 Domaine du Collier Saumer Blanc pours a bright golden color, with no signs of sediment or gas. High viscosity. On the nose, this is extremely floral…like being in a grove of magnolia trees in full bloom. The flowers are accompanied by bright citrus fruit, lanolin, alfalfa and honey. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. The notes from the bouquet are confirmed and accompanied by the most lovely, almost oily texture. This is oh so woolly! The finish goes long. This is my first experience with Antoine’s wine and I’m now absolutely smitten (thanks Tim). A simply gorgeous example of Chenin from a warm vintage and an alternative to Joly if you crave a natural touch…but not too natural. This is a banger now and will continue to be so for some time. Wow.
— 2 years ago

Ely, Andrew and 15 others liked this

Domaine du Clos de l'Elu

Bastingage Anjou Chenin Blanc

A great, yet kinda simple CB. My kind w the tropix but also wool n almost waxiness. Demands a little air but saved us from a corked Joly (1996). — 4 years ago

Peter liked this