The Loire Valley is a huge and varied wine region, but not many of its winemakers have reached cult status. Nicolas Joly being one of a handful that are the exception. If you've even dipped your toe into the world of biodynamic wine, chances are you've heard his name. For nearly five decades, Joly has been working his magic on ancient Chenin Blanc vines near Savennières, using committed biodynamic methods long before it was widely accepted.

He bottles just three cuvées, and each one tends to stir up plenty of conversation and admiration. They're released in small quantities and have become increasingly hard to find. They push boundaries in a way that I very much like. Intense and characterful, occasionally mixing in oxidative notes, alongside showcasing a real sense of place. Whether you see them as genius or not is up to you, one thing’s for sure: Joly’s wines always get people talking.