Jacques Fèvrier Rencontre Blanc 2023

Jacques Février is a dedicated natural winemaker in the Loire Valley, France. His winery, Le Raisin à Plume, is known for producing organic, sulfite-free wines that highlight Indigenous grape varieties like Gamay, Melon de Bourgogne, Sauvignon Blanc, and the rare Abouriou. Février's vineyards are located in the Coteaux d'Ancenis appellation, a lesser-known area within the Loire near Oudon. The region's schist and gneiss soils contribute a distinctive minerality to his wines.
Février takes a hands-off approach, letting the natural environment and terroir shine through. His wines are often aged in fiberglass tanks or old barrels. His lineup includes a diverse range of wines, from whites, reds, and rosés to sparkling and orange wines, all made with a commitment to biodynamic and organic farming​.

Some standout cuvées from Jacques Février include Le Pâtis des Rosiers (a 100% Gamay wine) and M des Humeaux (from Pinot Gris, locally known as Malvoisie). His wines are known for their energy, vibrancy, and complex structure. These natural wines are perfect for exploring Loire's lesser-known appellations and varieties.

The Loire Valley wine region in central France is renowned for its diverse wine styles. Its extensive geographic spread and the variable climates within its boundaries significantly influence it. This region, often called the "Garden of France," stretches over 800 kilometers from the Atlantic coast in the west to the center of France in the east, encompassing several distinct wine-producing areas along the Loire River.

The region produces excellent Sauvignon Blanc, with the appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé particularly prestigious for their expressive, mineral-driven styles. Chenin Blanc is another key variety, central to the wines of Vouvray and Anjou, which are used to make everything from dry to sweet and even sparkling wines. Muscadet, near the Atlantic coast, focuses on the Melon de Bourgogne grape, producing crisp, saline wines that pair excellently with seafood.

In addition to white wines, the Loire Valley produces reds and rosés, primarily from Cabernet Franc. This grape thrives in the appellations of Chinon, Bourgueil, and Saumur-Champigny, producing wines known for their floral aromas and crisp acidity. These wines often exhibit a characteristic freshness and are typically consumed young.

The region's climate varies from maritime in the west, which provides a cooling influence ideal for Muscadet, to a more continental climate in the east, which supports the ripening of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. This climatic variation, coupled with the diverse array of terroirs, from chalky limestone to flinty clay, allows the Loire Valley to produce diverse wines highly reflective of their specific locales.