Just east of the slightly more well-known region of Chinon lies Azay-le-Rideau. This is where childhood mates Nicolas and Philippe set up shop in 2012, after being inspired by local stories of how cracking the Chenin used to be in Hauts-Baigneux before WWII, thanks to the super varied soils. The domaine is certified organic and biodynamic, and the pair planted over 100 apple and pear trees in between the vines to attract birds, for, um, fertilizer. When they purchased the vines, the area was renowned for Gamay and Grolleau, but they're making a name for whites here now too.