Domaine Gigou Clos St. Jacques Jasnières 2022

Old-vine Chenin Blanc with bags of character – ripe apple, gentle smoke, lovely texture, and the freshness that makes great Loire Chenin so ridiculously drinkable.

Domaine Gigou's Clos St. Jacques comes from Jasnières, a tiny appellation in northern France. We're actually on the Loir here rather than the Loire, around an hour south of Le Mans, and it's an area producing some seriously interesting Chenin Blanc.

This is made from 100% Chenin Blanc from old vines averaging around 70 years of age, planted on soils rich in silex – the flinty soils that help give the wine its distinctive mineral character.

The wine is barrel fermented before ageing in a combination of large foudres and smaller oak barrels. Importantly, this isn't about making a big, heavily oaked white. The wood adds texture, depth and a gentle smoky character while still allowing the fruit and freshness of the Chenin to do the talking.

Expect plenty of ripe apple and orchard fruit, backed by subtle smoke, mineral notes and a broad, generous texture. There's just a tiny amount of residual sugar, around 4g/l, which gives the wine extra weight rather than making it taste sweet.

Why We Like It

This is the sort of white wine that reminds you just how good Chenin Blanc can be.

There's plenty of richness and texture, but it's balanced by that brilliant natural acidity Chenin is famous for. It's interesting enough to sit and drink slowly on its own, but really comes into its own with food.

If you're usually drinking white Burgundy, richer Chardonnay or more serious Loire whites, give this a go. There's loads going on in the glass and, coming from old vines in a tiny French appellation, it's a bottle that's a little bit different too.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Ripe apple and orchard fruit with subtle smoke, mineral notes and a hint of citrus.

Palate: Generous and textured with ripe apple, fresh acidity and a lovely mineral character. The oak adds weight and complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

Finish: Long, fresh and lightly smoky with lingering apple and mineral notes.

Food Pairing

This is a cracking food wine. Try it with crab, scallops, richer fish dishes, roast pork or pork chops with a creamy mustard sauce.

We'd also happily have it alongside roast chicken, creamy mushroom dishes or a decent cheeseboard. Basically, anything with a bit of richness that needs good acidity alongside it.

Product Details

• Producer: Domaine Gigou
• Wine: Clos St. Jacques
• Vintage: 2022
• Country: France
• Region: Loire
• Appellation: AOP Jasnières
• Grape: 100% Chenin Blanc
• Vine Age: Approximately 70 years
• ABV: 13.5%
• Bottle Size: 75cl
• Farming: Organic & Sustainable
• Closure: Cork

Buy Domaine Gigou Jasnières Online

Buy Domaine Gigou Clos St. Jacques Jasnières 2022 online from The Strong Water Co., independent wine merchants based in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire.

We deliver wine throughout the UK, including Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Order your wine online for delivery direct to your door, whether you're in Inverness, the Highlands, Skye, Orkney, Shetland or elsewhere across Scotland.

Local customers can also shop our wine range at The Strong Water Co. in Banchory and Ballater, in the heart of Royal Deeside.

ABV STRENGTH 13.5

BOTTLE SIZE 75cl

COUNTRY France

GRAPE Chenin Blanc

REGION Loire

VINTAGE 2022