Nicolas Joly, the emblematic vigneron of Savennières at Domaine de la Coulée de Serrant, is one of the world’s leading figures of biodynamics and a staunch advocate of viticulture aligned with natural forces. The monopole vineyard, founded in the twelfth century by Cistercian monks, is planted entirely to chenin on schist, quartz and sandstone soils. Joly’s approach is radical: intense soil work, full manual farming, almost no additives and long, free form élevage. The wines show quince, warm apple, honey, beeswax, yellow herbs, dried fruits and sometimes oxidative or wild nuances that are inherent to the estate’s identity. The palate is broad, dense, earthy and charged with dark mineral power. These are wines of strong personality, often puzzling young but capable of immense depth with age. The Nicolas Joly style is that of a living, spiritual, terroir anchored chenin.