Chateau Pierre Bise Clos de Coulaine

Chenin Blanc

Loire Valley, France

Nestled on a high ridge overlooking the steep south-facing slopes of the Layon river, tributary of the Loire, Claude & Joelle Papin run 80 acres of land with their sons René and Christophe. Jancis Robinson MW was describing his dad Claude Papin as “One of the most talented wine growers in this part of the world” and René is surely his worthy successor. As a true terroirist he believes that blending different climate “even 1%” will prevent his wines from finding harmony. Since he took over the estate from his father in 2005, he conducted a deep analysis of his terroir identifying 25 different “Climats” all vinified separately. Savennières is considered by many as one of the Grand Cru of the Loire, 3 villages can produce this appellation for a total of 370 acres. The combination of a complex schistose soil, an ideal south-exposure and the proximity to both the Loire and the ocean create the subtle alchemy for an exceptional terroir.