Jacky Preys "Chenin Blanc" Vieille Vigne Nature, Loire Valley, France 2023

FROM NORTH BERKELEY IMPORTS:

THE WINE: There is literally nothing that the talented Jacky Preys can’t do. This pure Chenin Blanc, grown on the flinty sols of Touraine, is a marvel — spiced and seductive, with notes of Mirabelle plum, herbs and acacia honey, it is a true “orange” wine (macerated on skins for five days) and then aged in terracotta jars and amphora for six months. Texture, heady aroma, wonderful length!

THE PRODUCER: While Jacky Preys and his son Pascal own one of the larger wineries in Touraine, what has set the family apart is their particular attention to native Loire varieties like Fié Gris. Today Loire winemakers can help further the renaissance of Fié Gris, thanks to Preys’ work in conserving his ancient rootstock. Preys cares for his vines according to sustainable methods and only uses indigenous yeasts in the cellar. He harvests his older Fié Gris vines by hand, and ferments and ages it on fine lees in stainless steel tanks.