Herve Villemade | "Bovin Rouge," Gamay | Cheverney, Loire Valley, France | 2021

Hervé Villemade, steward of his family's 22 hectares of organic vines in Cellettes, navigates the Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny AOCs, supplemented by a négociant license for local grapes. Taking the reins in 1995, Hervé initially embraced conventional methods but found them uninspiring. Influenced by Marcel Lapierre and Clos du Tue-Boeuf, he eliminated sulfur due to a sudden allergy, prompting a shift to organic viticulture in 2000.

The estate focuses on Cheverny Blanc and Rouge, sourced from historic family parcels in Cellettes. 

Facing rising spring frost threats due to global warming, Hervé employs anti-frost towers, late pruning, and intentional grass competition. Despite challenges, he's resilient, even starting a négociant venture to source local grapes. Hervé's dedication to quality and innovation shines in every bottle from this Loire Valley gem.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Pair with: pizza, pasta, meaty tacos, kababs

🍇 Grape Variety: 100% Gamay

🌱 Farming: Certified Organic

🍾 Winemaking: Whole clusters macerate for 10 to 12 days. Fermentation and aging are done in concrete tanks with no manipulations. Two grams of S02 are added per hectoliter at bottling

🧑🏼‍🌾 Winemaker: Hervé Villemade

🌎 Region: Loire Valley, FR

🌡 Serve: Chilled