Jasnières (ZHAH-knee-yehr) may be the most extraordinary appellation you've never heard of. Located at the far northern reaches of the Loire Valley on the Loir River, a tributary of the Loire, this tiny AOP (of just 70ish hectares) is dedicated exclusively to Chenin Blanc grown on ancient tuffeau limestone soils.

The appellation might have disappeared entirely if not for Joël Gigou, a visionary who recognized the potential of this land in the 70s. As one of just 20 producers making wine in Jasnières, Gigou has become synonymous with the region's preservation and excellence. 

The Gigou family farms just 4 hectares in Jasnières organically. For their flagship “Clos St. Jacques” bottling, they select fruit exclusively from 50-60 year old vines that yield incredibly concentrated, expressive Chenin Blanc.

Gigou embraces tradition—he’s got peasants on his label and ages the wine in old barrels until he thinks it’s ready to drink. His wines showcase the saline-truffly-floral-fruity alchemy between Chenin Blanc and ancient tuffeau limestone with incredible precision. There’s nothing like them.

Why You'll Love It:

• Fascinating BREED: This wine tastes dry, and offers an experience unlike any other Chenin Blanc—combining concentration with remarkable delicacy, offering Jasnières' distinctive minerality that can’t be replicated anywhere on earth. If you love great Vouvray, Saumur Blanc, or fine White Burgundy, this is for you.
  

• Perfect maturity: Gigou patiently ages this cuvée until it’s ready for drinking. The 2017 represents the current release; this is a stubborn genius we’re dealing with.
  

• Exceptional value for unicorn wine: At just $36 per bottle (4+), you're securing a single-vineyard, Loire Valley benchmark from 50-60 year old vines made by a producer who clearly leads the pack in his appellation. There is WAY more wine here than the price tag indicates.

How to Serve It:

• Prime drinking window: This perfectly aged Chenin is showing beautifully now and will continue to develop complexity for maybe another 10 years.
  

• Serve at 48-50°F in white Burgundy stems, allowing 15-20 minutes to blossom in the glass.
  

• Pair with delicate seafood like Dover sole with beurre blanc, or even a heartier chicken with morel mushrooms in vin jaune.