Domaine Gigou is likely the finest producer of Chenin Blanc in the Loire Valley that you’ve never heard of. Located in Jasnières in the Far North of the region near Le Mans. Joël Gigou is recognized as the savior of this appellation. With his son Ludo and the rest of the family, they produce very traditional Chenin in a truly artisanal manner.
I have had the pleasure of tasting through many past vintages and have been astounded by how lively, fresh and wonderful these wines are. It took some time and much coaxing (ok, pleading) but Joël agreed to release some of these beauties from his private cellar where they have been resting for decades. Together, we have selected the ones that consistently demonstrate the glories of mature Chenin in the hands of a master.
The Saint Jacques vineyard is regarded as one of the appellation’s finest. The Gigou plots were planted just after WWII, so the wines below would have qualified as old vine even then. Five of the wines are dry and one is sweet.
Through VDLT Direct, you can have these wines delivered straight to your door in about a few weeks. The 6-bottle collection is just $315. Shipping on the Collection is free for Berserkers using code: Chenin Direct (a $48 value). This offer is available to ship to the Continental US. Interested EU Berserkers interested should contact me before ordering.
The Gigou Library Release Collection includes one each of these. All are available individually as well.
1988 Jasnières Sélection de Raisins Nobles*
1996 Jasnières Sélection de Raisins Nobles
*Sélection de Raisins Nobles is typically sweet but vinified dry in 1988