Wines Savennières-Coulée-de-Serrant Clos De La Coulée De Serrant - 1985

The 1985 Clos de la Coulée de Serrant from the Savennières-Coulée-de-Serrant appellation in France’s Loire Valley represents one of the most iconic expressions of Chenin Blanc. Cultivated on steep, south-facing schist slopes overlooking the Loire, this legendary seven-hectare monopole vineyard has been biodynamically farmed by the Joly family, ensuring that each vintage echoes its unique terroir. The 1985 vintage stands out for its maturity, offering complexity beyond fruit, with notes of nuts, honey, beeswax, and subtle spice interwoven with the minerality so typical of Savennières. The vinification process emphasises natural yeasts and minimal intervention, allowing the powerful personality of Chenin Blanc and the vineyard’s microclimate to shine through in the bottle.

Savennières is situated in Anjou, west of the Loire Valley, an area renowned for producing some of France’s most profound dry white wines. The region’s temperate Atlantic climate moderates the growing season, allowing Chenin Blanc grapes to ripen slowly and develop both concentration and lively acidity. The predominance of schist soils lends an unmistakable mineral backbone, while the historical significance of Coulée de Serrant—a vineyard originally established by Cistercian monks in the 12th century—imparts a remarkable sense of identity and continuity.

A wine as complex and deeply structured as this mature Savennières calls for equally considered food pairings. It excels alongside rich dishes such as lobster in beurre blanc, roasted chicken with morel mushrooms, or veal with cream and tarragon. For a regional pairing, try it with rillettes d’Anjou or a selection of aged Loire goat cheeses; the wine’s evolved secondary flavours and bracing acidity will elevate each pairing.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 12-14°C. Given its age, consider decanting gently to awaken the delicate tertiary aromas and savour the full architectural beauty of a truly great Loire Chenin Blanc.