WINETASTIC
Henri Chauvet
Boudes - Auvergne
Henri Chauvet is bringing back the Auvergne region on the wine map of France. In the Spring of 2021, Henri bought the 10.5 hectares estate from iconic local winemaker Annie Sauvat locared in Boudes and made his first yet promising vintage.
Before becoming a winemaker, Henri was working in corporate banking, and left the industry to get a viticulture degree and was trained for many years in the Rhône Valley, working alongside Thierry Allemand in Cornas and Jerome Bressy of Domaine Gourt de Mautens in Rasteau, before coming back to his roots in Auvergne.
Henri is farming 10.5 hectares of the most promising varieties of the region – 60% of Gamay, 30% of Pinot Noir and 10% of Chardonnay, while biodynamically converting the estate. With a deep understanding of the various types of soils underneath his vines – from pink granite, quartz, volcanic marble to sandy clay, each cuvée is already showing a precise sense of place.
Only his second vintage, and already promising wines, helping the Auvergne wine region to regained its superb voice.
Henri Chauvet in the bottle
Froussard
100% Chardonnay from an old vines parcel coming from massale selection of Burgundy cuts. The parcel is located nearby Boudes, with mostly red clay soils and granite. Direct pressed then aged 9 months with 50% in new 500 liters barrels with a very light toasting, and 50% in old 228 liters barrels.
A Fleur de Peau
100% Chardonnay coming from an 0.20 hectare of very old vines planted on very steep slopes, mostly basalt soils. 1 week of maceration in whole bunch and long pneumatic press. Aged 9 months in old barrels of 400 and 228 liters. Less than 500 magnums produced.
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Qui Sait
An interesting “blanc de noirs » white wine made of 100% Gamay in whole bunches. Only 2100 bottles produced.
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Au Chant de la Huppe
A subtle red wine blend of 60% Gamay in whole bunches, 20% of Pinot Noir and 20% of Chardonnay, fermented all together. Only 7800 bottles produced.
Contre Nature
100% Gamay in whole bunches, quickly fermented to give this light red color, almost rosé and retain all the fruits freshness. Only 1600 bottles produced.
Rouge
100% Gamay from a parcel planted with a mix of old vines from Auvergne and some cuttings from Beaujolais. Mostly red clay soils. 12 to 15 days of whole bunches maceration in stainless steel vats with gentle pump overs for extraction. Aged 9 months in old barrels of 300 and 228 liters.
Vie Ordinaire
100% Pinot Noir coming from 2 different parcels : one bigger located in the historical slope of the village, mostly with volcanic soils, and from one smaller with a mix of volcanic soils and blue marls. 12 to 15 days of whole bunches maceration in stainless steel vats with gentle pump overs for extraction. Aged 9 months, 35% in new barrels of 500 liters with a very light toasting, and 65% in old barrels of 228 liters.
Abrupts
100% Gamay from the best and historical slopes of Boudes. Planted on very steep slopes, with mostly basalt and blue marls. 4 weeks of whole bunches maceration in wooden vats. Aged 9 months in old foudres of 300 and 228 liters.
