Domaine de Bellivière is a family run estate in Jasnières and the Coteaux du Loir, two lesser-known appellations in the Loire Valley. Eric and Christine Nicolas founded their estate in 1995 with the purchase of a tiny 1.5ha vineyard that was in much need of revival. They have since expanded to 13.5ha of rented or purchased vineyard land and produce some of the region’s best Chenin Blanc and Pineau d’Aunis. Their son Clément has now joined the team, and together they are in pursuit of even more excellence.
Beyond farming biodynamically and working with a minimal intervention style, they have a number of experiments in operation. The first is a high-density vineyard, the second is an agroforest adding diversity to the region, and the third is a genetic project intended on increasing the number of species of grapes. Rest assured that anyone delving to add to the genetic spectrum of vine varieties is taking the utmost care with their resulting wine.