La Ferme du Plateau
Loire Valley

It was July 2017, and I was in Europe visiting producers. My friend James Erskine from Jauma also happened to be in Europe. Having spent a week in the Loire, he called me and said, “Liz there’s a producer here I think you should visit”. Plans were altered, appointments changed and I found myself driving down a single lane dirt road near Azay-le-Rideau looking for Adrien and Nannou.  

After several years travelling around France in a gypsy-type lifestyle, Adrien Beloche and his wife Anne (affectionately called Nannou) settled in Touraine in 2012. Having studied agriculture, Adrien began working with local winemaker Marie Thibault. Marie’s passion very quickly transferred to Adrien, he proceeded to work with her for the next two years, gaining as much knowledge as possible.  

In 2014 they found land in the tiny hamlet of L’Ionniere for Anne to raise some goats and begin producing her artisanal goats’ cheese. A property of 40 hectares surrounded by forest, which included 6 hectares of vines.

La Ferme du Plateau, a poly-culture farm, was established the following year, where goats are raised, vegetables are grown, an orchard of pears flourishes and wine is produced. All farming is done with organic practices only. 

Anne began making cheese in 2016, tending a herd of 50 goats, her cheese is highly regarded and well sought after in the region. And an added bonus for when wine importers visit!

The vineyards are planted mostly to Gamay and Grolleau, as well as a small portion of Chenin Blanc and Cabernet. The vines range from 25 years age to 80 plus years for the Grolleau. All work is done by hand; the wines are unfiltered and unfined and sulphur is not used.

Adrien produced his first vintage, a very small amount in 2014, sold to friends and family.

These are wines that require patience, in their youth they are tightly wound and love oxygen. Over the subsequent 7 years of importing them, they are wines I always leave to rest for several years prior to release.