Notes from Flatiron Wines & Spirits:

"Some of the most profound wines ever made come from places at the very limits of where grapevines can survive. In the North of the Loire Valley the Coteaux-du-Loir/Jasnieres is such a place. In fact the region was almost blasted into non-existence during the extreme frost of 1956. Today the region is miniscule compared to the other Loire appellations with only 80 hectares of vineyards.

Historically the vines here have struggled but as global temperatures rise the difficulties have somewhat abated. Now we are discovering wines of unique terroir and astounding beauty and following the growing legends of the winemakers who make them. Among these new legends is Eric Nicolas of Domaine Belliviere, a city boy turned winemaker who is rewriting the history of Loire winemaking nobility.

Eric and his wife Christine took the leap in 1995. After leaving his job and studying oenology they left Paris and headed to the Loire to pursue their dream. But dreams do not come cheap in the land of grand Chateaux. Prices were too high for them in most parts of the valley and they soon found themselves in the hinterlands of Coteaux-du-Loir/Jasnieres. It was not easy for them at first. Frost, broken contracts, and the hard work of converting grazing land to vineyards were all hard fought battles but they persevered. Today they make some of the most delicious and exciting wines the region has ever produced."