Domaine de Juchepie
Coteaux du Layon, Loire, France
WHERE
Eddy & Milein Oosterlinck-Bracke
WHO
Organic since 2001, full Biodynamic certification since 2007. Tiny, tiny yields (5-10 hL) from old vines. They do not make sweet wines unless the vintage dictates it.
HOW
Anjou “Mont” (W)
Anjou “Clos” (W)
Anjou “Paradis” (W)
VdF Cabernet Franc “Rubis” (R)
VdF Pineau d’Aunis “Amphore” (R)
Coteaux du Layon-Faye, Moelleux “Churelles” (Sw)
Coteaux du Layon-Faye, Moelleux “Quarts” (Sw)
WINES
Eddie and Mileine, bought an unassuming farmhouse in the Coteaux du Layon in 1985, with the intention of transforming it into a holiday home. Nearly 40 years on, they now farm 6 ha of vines, converting to Organics in 2001 and Biodynamics in 2007.
Domaine de Juchepie is named after a small, south-facing slope in the middle of Faye, the centre of the Layon plateau. Originally concentrating their efforts on the traditional sweet Chenin-made wines of the area, they started making exceptional dry whites when vintages did not allow for botrytis or good enough ripeness.
Minuscule yields (5-10 hL) from late-harvested old vines with long, slow vertical pressings, make for wines of incredible richness, concentration and longevity.
“According to our philosophy, great wine is made in the vineyard, not in the cellar. Moreover, it is not the winemaker, nor the oenologist, who creates the wine. Why should they? Nature itself does that, and much better, if given the chance. ”
