Alcohol:14,3%
Grape: 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Gamay
Location: AOC Cheverny, Loire Valley, France
Tasting notes: Gamay and Pinot Noir planted on sand, silex, and clay. The entire process begins in cement and is then moved to a tank to settle and age on lees before being bottled with no added sulfur. Blueberry, lavender, and a touch of spice and black olive provide some contrast to the more floral aromas. Delicious and immediate, it is a bit richer this vintage, making it a luxurious natural wine with an amazing balance of fruit, umami, and lifted ethereal freshness.
The Domain: Christian Venier is a fascinating figure in the world of natural winemaking. Based in Cheverny, Loire Valley, he comes from a long line of farmers and winemakers. His journey into viticulture wasn’t entirely conventional—he initially struggled in wine school but later honed his craft under the guidance of his cousins, Thierry and Jean-Marie Puzelat of Clos du Tue Boeuf.
Venier is deeply committed to organic and biodynamic farming, maintaining a polyculture approach in his vineyards, which are dotted with cherry, peach, and fig trees. He believes in minimal intervention, allowing natural fermentations without additives, resulting in wines that are bright, crisp, and highly drinkable. His philosophy is simple: “If we get the wines we get, it’s because we work the soil!”.
His wines, often made from Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Pineau d’Aunis, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Menu Pineau, and Chenin Blanc, showcase the region's minerality and purity. Over the years, his reputation has grown, making his wines increasingly sought after.
