Estate de Bellivière – Lively, Authentic Chenin Blanc from the Sarthe

What is Estate de Bellivière and why is it unique

Estate de Bellivière is located in the Loir Valley, on the hillsides of Lhomme, in a quiet and preserved landscape between Sarthe and Touraine. Founded in 1995 by Éric and Christine Nicolas, the estate quickly rose to prominence as one of the Loire’s most gifted Chenin Blanc interpreters. From the beginning, they embraced biodynamic viticulture, with deep respect for the land, the plant and natural cycles. Bellivière’s style is defined by luminous fruit, mineral precision and a rare ability to make terroir resonate in each bottle. Today, the estate continues this vision with passion and rigor, crafting some of the Loire’s most distinctive wines.

Which grape varieties are grown at Estate de Bellivière

Chenin Blanc is the estate’s core grape, planted across varied soils of flint clay, tuffeau and sandstone. This diversity gives rise to a fascinating range of expressions. The estate also grows small parcels of red varieties such as Pineau d’Aunis and Gamay, which are crafted with the same care and attention to detail. Yet it is the white wines that define the estate’s signature, with styles ranging from pure and taut to delicately sweet, always grounded in soil energy and fruit transparency.

What wine style defines Estate de Bellivière

The wines are driven by energy, balance and vitality. The dry cuvées are linear, salty and full of tension, with a strong mineral backbone. The sweet wines, often made through successive pickings, retain remarkable freshness despite their richness. Vinification is done with native yeasts, with no systematic fining or filtration, and aging takes place slowly in old barrels or amphorae. The goal is always to let the wine evolve freely and speak clearly of its vintage and its origin.

What are the ideal food pairings with wines from Estate de Bellivière

The dry and taut wines pair beautifully with freshwater fish, vegetarian dishes, roasted poultry or aged cheeses such as Comté or goat cheese. The off-dry cuvées are ideal for refined appetizers, exotic dishes or subtle sweet-and-salty pairings. The great sweet wines shine with fruit-based desserts, blue cheeses or more daring matches like liver dishes or spicy Asian cuisine. These are gastronomic wines that invite creativity at the table.

Why are wines from Estate de Bellivière so appreciated by wine lovers

This estate offers a sincere, living vision of wine where every cuvée becomes a bridge between soil, climate and human intention. Their biodynamic commitment, natural rhythm and minimal-intervention approach yield wines of emotion, both clear and complex. These are not wines made to impress, but to move. Their aging potential, originality and precision make them highly sought after by discerning enthusiasts and sommeliers around the world.