Jean-Marc Biet, 2019 Update
With a portfolio of wines which includes some of the most interesting cuvées to be made along the banks of the Cher, I would never shy away from an opportunity to revisit the wines of Jean-Marc Biet and his daughter Julie Biet. Jean-Marc started out here more than a few years ago, in 1984, taking on the family’s vines, which were handed down directly from his grandfather. He also found himself in receipt of land used for the cultivation of cereals, and for goats, two assets of which he quickly disinvested himself. Having since expanded the domaine, he continues to fly well under the radar, turning out classically styled Sauvignon Blanc and, more interestingly, a range of red wines focusing on Côt, seasoned with Cabernet Franc and occasionally Pinot Noir.
At this recent meeting with Jean-Marc (pictured) and Julie I tasted several cuvées from the 2018 vintage, already documented in my Loire 2018 ‘first taste’ report. Here I look back at some wines from the other vintages tasted, largely 2017 and 2015.
The Wines
Of the half-dozen wines described here, the two sparkling wines were charming and would be worth considering by anybody wishing to stock up their sparkling-wine rack. As for the white wines, most were of the 2018 vintage, leaving us just the 2017 Cuvée Hugo here. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, this seems varietally expressive, displaying ripe and complex veins of fruit, passion fruit threaded with the greener notes of capsicum and pine needle. It would be a good choice for any fan of Sauvignon Blanc.
