A UFO in the Loire

Trained in Banyuls by the Parcé brothers, then by Angevin winemaker Mark Angeli, it was in 2002 that this former sommelier decided to take the plunge and set up as a winemaker in Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay, Anjou.

With two very fine plots of Chenin and the bare minimum in terms of equipment, Jean-Christophe Garnier set out to grow 2 hectares of Chenin.

Whether in the vineyard or the cellar, he is uncompromising. He uses no inputs and no chemicals. Organic in the vineyard, meticulous in the winemaking process, he produces crystalline wines with an obvious sharp minerality.

In the reds, gourmandise and delicacy prevail. Some of Anjou's star winemakers, such as Richard Leroy and Stéphane Bernaudeau, regularly praise Jean-Christophe Garnier's discreet, very affordable and much less publicized wines, which they all consider to be a great winemaker. We share their point of view, and are delighted to present 4 great wines for under €20 at the end of August.

The must-have wine in your cellar: La Roche 2022. A dense, deep Chenin that will go a long way! The benchmark.

The ultimate back-to-school canon: Les Tailles 2022. A perfectly balanced blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Open it now or cellar it gently for even greater pleasure in a few years' time.

Guilt-free indulgence: Gamay Aunis 2023. We dare you not to finish the bottle in less than 20 minutes. The best of Gamay and Pineau d'Aunis blended by the magician JC.

The new wine that sends: 13 Vents 2022. A new cuvée of chenin in the tradition of La Roche. A full-bodied wine with substance and structure that may surprise you if you have the patience to keep it.