FRANCE

DOMAINE DU NOZAY, CIRIL DE BENOIST, AOC SANCERRE

Domaine du Nozay, is a beautiful 17th century property, situated around the picturesque village of St.Gemme. At its centre, lies the majestic Castle of Nozay, which remains in the hands of De Benoist family since 19th century. Today, this spectacular building, is surrounded by 15 hectares of biodynamically cultivated Sauvignon Blanc, first planted here in 1971. Those isolated and pristine vineyards are an exception in the Sancerre region. Cyril de Benoist, has joined the family estate in 1991, after gaining experience at Bouzeron, where he worked alongside his uncle Aubert de Villaine - the current co-manager of the legendary Domaine de la Romanée- Conti. Constantly listening to his vineyard, Ciryl seeks to understand its soil in order to support the vines in best possible way. He vinifies his wine traditionally, while maturation takes place in truly unique cellar, which is dug into a north exposed mound. The Nozay estate remains a family winery, isolated in a haven of peace and tranquillity.

LOIRE PROPRIETES, IGP LOIRE

Built on a foundation of knowledge, skills and understanding dating back to 1872, LOIRE PROPRIETES is a group of companies that produce and market Loire Valley wines across the wine- making sector. Their organization is based around 3 co-operative wine cellars, a Distillery and a trading company.

Although Jerome Bourgeois – Diaz grew up among vines, becoming a vigneron was not his calling until the early 2000’s. Encouraged by his mother’s decision to stop selling grapes to big companies, in 2001 he returned to family domaine in Crouttes sur Marne, with intention of making and bottling his own Champagne. The inspiration and encouragement in those early days came not only from his family, who have been vine growers for four generations, but also from other small scale vignerons. With firm belief that “the winemaker can only be as good as his vineyards” in 2009 Jerome decided to adapt biodynamic practices, gaining Demeter certification in 2015. Today he is known for the “purist approach” and his wines really show it! In stark contrast with his conventionally farming neighbours, Jerom’s vineyards are healthy and full of life. He often prefers to sell off the grapes from the edge of the estate, to make sure no chemicals affect his wine.
In total he farms 6.5 hectares divided to 30 parcels of south – east facing vineyards on limestone and clayey soil, planted to Pinot Meunier (3.5 ha), Pinot Noir (2 ha) and Chardonnay (1.5ha). In the winery Jerome uses traditional Cocquard Press – which
is slow and labour intensive but also extracts the juice in most gentle way. The wines are naturally vinified in a mix of stainless steel and used oak barrels, before being bottled and aged “sur lie”. The dosage is low (0-4g-l)
We were very impressed with the outcome of Jerom’s work. Those are first and foremost great wines with incredible purity, energy and depth, as well as being a great Champagne.