Eric Nicolas Domaine de Belliviere 'Calligramme' Jasnieres, Loire, France

2020 Domaine de Bellivière Calligramme is a profound, dry expression of old-vine Chenin Blanc from the tiny Jasnières appellation. Drawn from some of the domaine's oldest vines, it combines ripe orchard fruit and citrus with honeyed, floral, and mineral nuances, carried by the natural tension and acidity that define Chenin Blanc. Spontaneous fermentation and an extended 20-month élevage in 500-liter barrels build texture and depth without obscuring the wine's freshness. The result is concentrated yet finely balanced, with a creamy breadth through the mid-palate and a long, mineral-driven finish.

Product Details:

• Founders: Eric Nicolas and Christine Nicolas
• Vignerons: Eric Nicolas, Christine Nicolas and Clément Nicolas
• Grape Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
• Style: Sec
• Vine Age: Old vines, approximately 50 to 80 years old
• Soils: Flinty clay over tuffeau limestone
• Farming: Certified organic and biodynamic
• Harvest: Hand-harvested
• Yield: Approximately 35 hL/ha
• Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in barrel
• Maturation: 20 months in 500-liter barrels
• Alcohol: 12.7%
• Allergens: Contains sulfites

Sensory Description:

Expressive and layered, with ripe orchard fruit, citrus and stone fruit joined by honeyed, floral and mineral notes. The palate combines Chenin Blanc's vibrant acidity with a smooth, gently creamy texture and substantial concentration. Ripe fruit gives the wine breadth without heaviness, while stony and savory nuances bring definition through the mid-palate. Freshness remains central despite the extended barrel élevage, carrying the wine into a long, structured, and persistent finish.

Winemaker's Background:

Eric and Christine Nicolas founded Domaine de Bellivière in 1995 in the northern Loire, building the estate around Chenin Blanc and the small appellations of Jasnières and Coteaux du Loir. Their son Clément later joined the domaine, continuing the family's meticulous approach to farming and cellar work. The vineyards are certified organic and biodynamic, with low yields, hand harvesting and indigenous fermentations used to emphasize the character of individual sites and old vines.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 10-12°C, allowing the wine a little time in the glass to reveal its full aromatic and textural range. Its combination of acidity, concentration and creamy texture works particularly well with white fish, shellfish, smoked fish, rice dishes and white meats. It is also an excellent partner for creamy cheeses and richer seafood preparations. The structure and acidity of this old-vine Chenin Blanc also give it strong potential for further bottle development.