# Cheverny Blanc (2023)

- **Producer:** Hervé Villemade
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €21
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** grapefruit, lemon, apple, pear, stone fruit, herbaceous, elderflower, blossom, butter, cheese, vanilla, toast, acetic, petrol, kerosene, almond, honey, smoke

## About this wine

Hervé Villemade, a third-generation winemaker, took over his family's estate in 1995 and has since transformed it into a benchmark for natural winemaking in the Loire Valley. After a severe sulfur allergy in 1997, he committed to sulfur-free winemaking, which necessitated a transition to certified organic farming in 2000. This Cheverny Blanc is a testament to his philosophy, showcasing the unique terroir of Sologne, near the Touraine sub-region. The vineyards, averaging 30 years old, are planted on sandy clay-flint soils over limestone, yielding grapes with exceptional purity and character. Villemade's meticulous viticulture and natural vinification, including spontaneous fermentation and malolactic conversion, result in wines that are expressive, balanced, and deeply connected to their origin.

## Interesting facts

- Hervé Villemade's commitment to natural winemaking was spurred by a life-threatening sulfur allergy.
- This wine completes malolactic fermentation, a rare but defining characteristic for Sauvignon Blanc.
- Certified organic since 2000, the estate's yields are significantly lower than the AOC legal limit.
- The wine is bottled with an exceptionally low sulfur dioxide level of just 15 mg/L.

## Food pairing

The Cheverny Blanc's vibrant acidity, saline minerality, and subtle creamy texture from the Chardonnay and malolactic fermentation make it a versatile food wine. Its crispness cuts through richness and complements delicate flavors, while its herbal and citrus notes harmonize with fresh ingredients. The low sulfur and natural profile ensure it pairs best with clean, unadulterated dishes that allow its nuances to shine.

## Wine making process

The Cheverny Blanc is crafted from 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Chardonnay, sourced from Villemade's estate vineyards in Cellettes, Chitenay, and Fougères-sur-Bièvre. The grapes are manually harvested and undergo strict triage before whole-cluster direct pressing. Fermentation is spontaneous, driven by indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel or concrete tanks, with no chaptalization or added enzymes. A key characteristic of Villemade's style is the completion of malolactic fermentation, which softens the typical Sauvignon Blanc's austerity and adds complexity. The wine is aged for approximately six months on fine lees in neutral tanks or large older wooden vats, developing texture and depth. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered with a minimal addition of 15 mg/L of SO₂ at bottling.