Domaine Bobinet Les Gruches Chenin Blanc 2019 (Preservative Free)

'Producing wine without destroying nature or harming mankind, using the simplest and healthiest means.'

This is the mantra that Sébastien Bobinet and Emeline Calvez live by. They are the heart of Domaine Bobinet, situated in Saumur, between the banks of the Loire and the surrounding hills. From the outset, their approach has been one of natural winemaking, working hand in hand with the innate ecology of the vineyard, rather than trying to impose their will on it.

The Domaine was founded in 2002 when Sébastien took over 1.8 hectares of vineyard from his maternal grandparents. He is the seventh generation in a long line of family winemakers. Initially he grew 1.5 hectares of Cabernet  Franc, with just 0.3 hectares of Chenin Blanc. But over time he has expanded the Domaine, adding an additional 2 hectares of Cab Franc in 2010, as well as planting Pineau d'Aunis, Gamay and Cot. After his partner Emeline joined the estate in 2011, Domaine Bobinet took a new turn, opening up to the international market, and expanding the winery and cellar door.

Everything that Sébastien and Emeline do in the vineyards and winery is by hand. They eschew the use of any kind of chemical treatments in the vines, and abstain from using harsh, automated machinery in the winery.

'We try to stay as close as possible to the grape itself and what it brings us naturally,' says Sébastien. 'Working in this way requires a greater investment of labour, time and energy, and also calls for a higher level of risk-taking compared to conventional wine-making.'

But the results are definitely worth it. The purity and elegance seen in the wines from Domaine Bobinet are simply exceptional. These are incredible, natural wines from the Loire, and not to be missed.