France · Loire · Jasinères
In the Loire Valley, near the village of Courdemanche in the Jasnières appellation, lies Métais-Nagata – a small, historic estate where family heritage, craftsmanship, and precision come together in some of the region’s most distinctive wines. The domaine is run by Jean-Bernard Métais, his wife Keiko Nagata, and now also the next generation, Akito and Sola Métais-Nagata, continuing a family tradition that dates back to the 16th century. The family even held export rights as early as 1740, granted by royal decree under Louis XV.
Jean-Bernard Métais is a unique figure in French wine. Alongside his work in the vineyard and cellar, he is an internationally recognized sculptor, and this artistic sensibility is clearly reflected in his wines. He began vinifying the family’s vineyards in 1976 after studying in Paris, and today the family continues with the same deep respect for place and history. The estate covers just around 3 hectares, planted mainly with very old vines – many dating back to 1903 – with an average age of around 80 years.
The soils in Jasnières are classic for the area: clay, limestone, flint, and tuffeau, giving wines with tension, saline minerality, and remarkable aging potential. The south-facing vineyards are farmed without herbicides or pesticides, and harvest is carried out in multiple passes to ensure optimal ripeness for each cluster.
In the cellar, Métais-Nagata follows a philosophy of minimal intervention, with spontaneous fermentation, very low sulfur use, and long aging. The wines are allowed to find their own balance, resulting in expressions of Chenin Blanc and Pineau d’Aunis that show depth, precision, and a quiet, timeless character.
