four principles
Loïc Mahé grows 11 ha of hand-maintained, certified organic Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc vines without artificial intervention. The schist soils of Savennières have become a haven for the natural wine wizards of Chenin Blanc since the publication of Nicolas Joly’s books in 1999--Wine from Sky to Earth.
When it comes to Savennières and its terroir, it isn’t just about the earth and the vines, it’s about the ethos that comes with growing wine in Savennières. Mahé has four principles by which his wines are tended: the soils are living, yields are restricted, grapes are exclusively picked by hand, and to continue the spirit of the work. On that last point, he means all the hard work of assisting nature in the vineyards is continued in the cellar—slow fermentation from natural yeasts, minimal sulphites, maturing in oak barrels or small tanks.
amongst the best producers in Savennières
The New York Times puts Loïc Mahé amongst the best producers in Savennières. The AOC has the rare ability to impress critics and wine drinkers alike. Jancis Robinson describes the wines of Savennières as having, “An unusual combination of nerve, concentration, and longevity,” While Loïc Mahé’s wines have been written up in Wine Enthusiast with the 2016 Sables et Schistes receiving 91 points, while awarding 93 points to the 2015 Les Fougeraies. Mahé’s 2016 Sables et Schistes similarly received 93 points from Wine Spectator.
honest and pure, both wine & winemaker
We first met Loïc Mahe in Angers at Grenier Saint Jean, we tasted his wines and loved them. We also appreciated Loïc’s humble demeanour—he’s the nicest person, always wearing his signature hat. Loïc came to winemaking later than most, he switched careers in his late 30s, and has since worked hard to have his name associated with some of the greatest wines of the region. People are drawn to Loïc just as they are to his wines, because they are honest and pure. Friend and Alsatian winemaker Philippe Brand has pegged Loïc as one of the top winemakers in the Loire.
