"Making Great Terroir Wines"
Hello Auvergne! If you are yet to come across the exciting wines from the volcanic region of Auvergne then this is your chance. This July we are welcoming Henri Chauvet into the Clos Cachet portfolio. As a former insurance banker turned vigneron, Henri has pursued his new calling with unwavering dedication, determined to reveal the remarkable terroirs of the region and we have the perfect selection for you today.
Since 2021, Henri Chauvet has been the custodian of 10.5 hectares of diverse vineyards in Boudes, Auvergne with a focus on Gamay, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Guided by his deep respect for terroir, he crafts wines that faithfully reflect the hillsides surrounding his home.
First working as an insurance banker, the young Henri Chauvet found a new and exciting venture in winemaking. Taking the time to complete a viticulture and oenology diploma, he then engaged in tireless training with Jérôme Bressy in Rasteau, then the legendary Thierry Allemand in Cornas. Setting himself up with the perfect combination of experience to go out on his own with the purchase of an estate.
Now working with 10.5 hectares of Gamay, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the steep slopes of Auvergne, Henri began the conversion to organic the second he set foot in the vineyards. A little known village named Boudes has a local reputation of producing some of the most expressive Gamays, Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays of the region.
There are two very distinct terroirs on which Henri cultivates his vines. For the plots in Chamaret and Donazat, the vines sit at the bottom of the valley with soils the colour of red clay, and a climat "more Beaujolais than Auvergne," Henri says. Comparatively, the slopes of Baconnet, Côte, and Bavotte (historic terroirs of Boudes), have the essence of Auvergne, from the basalt-coloured earth to the steep slopes tumbling down to the village. Henri’s plots are carefully spread across both styles of soils to express the true complexities of the region through the different grape varietals.
With a love for natural wines, Henri has dived head first into producing raw and beautiful cuvees. Yet he is not one to be defined by the ‘natural’ stereotype, Henri states "I'm neither natural nor conventional. I don't want my philosophy in the cellar to take precedence over my terroir". Therefore with his vision of terroir, he pushes back on the pressures from the ‘hyper-natural’ winemakers and ensures the hillsides surrounding his home are represented in the wines every vintage.
As a vigneron who respects both the land and sense of place, the resulting wines are stunning with precise juices that are pure and vibrant. Please enjoy the selection below.
TASTING NOTES
Ciel a Perdre 2023
A negociant cuvée made with the grapes from old vines in the south of France at La Livinière, in Languedoc.
Ciel à Perdre reveals a bright nose of black fruits (blackberry, blueberry), dried herbs and sweet spices, accompanied by a floral and mineral touch. The palate is juicy, fresh, taut, far from the heavy versions of the grape variety, with supple tannins and a digestible, almost saline finish. This adopted Auvergne Carignan surprises with its balance between the generosity of the south and the freshness of the highlands, offering a wine of character, delicate and free! 100% Carignan.
Au chant de la Huppe 2023
A blend of two plots from old Auvergne Gamay and Beaujolais Gamay.
A volcanic Gamay that is both free and precise. Au Chant de la Huppe 2023 opens with crisp aromas of fresh red fruits mixed with a floral touch and a smoky, almost ashy hint. 100% Gamay.
En Attendant la Pluie 2023
A negociant cuvée made with Pinot Noir from Savigny-lès-Beaune.
A sincere and lively expression of Pinot. The nose opens with elegant aromas of morello cherry, tangy red fruits, and undergrowth. On the palate, the attack is supple, the texture delicate, carried by a mineral freshness and fine tannins! 100% Pinot Noir.
Vie Ordinaire 2023
This is from two plots: a large plot in the heart of the historic hillside of the village very volcanic dominant and a small plot with the rising sun where there are still remains of bombs. This has some of that classic Pinot spice and vegetal notes, with soft tannins and some light fruit. On tasting, it reveals a subtle nose of small red fruits, dried rose, white pepper and undergrowth , while the palate, elegant and fluid, presents a beautiful acidity, fine tannins and a saline finish. It is a vibrant, pure and sincere Pinot Noir, which perfectly embodies the volcanic and peasant soul of the lands of Boudes. This has great potential to age. 100% Pinot Noir
De Cendre et D'Ame 2023
Grown at high altitude and vinified naturally, without artifice or disguise, it reveals a pure nose of fresh red fruits, sweet spices and a characteristic smoky minerality. On the palate, the texture is fluid, supported by a beautiful tension, supple tannins and a saline, almost vibrant finish. It is a lively, sincere wine, both delicate and profound, which reflects Henri Chauvet 's commitment to artisanal viticulture that respects the living. A wine of emotion, to be savoured slowly to feel its full soul. Dominant Gamay with Pinot Noir.
Abrupts 2023
A truly great Gamay, ample and deep. The estate's finest terroirs and Henri's signature style remain.
A precise, vibrant and chiselled Gamay from the volcanic soils of Auvergne. The scented nose exhibits notes of forest berries, warm herbs, baking spices and a touch of spices. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and bright acidity. Plenty of transparency and texture on the palate, with pulpy wild berry character. Succulent and driven with a vertical dimension. Lively with tension and so much precision. A new landmark for gamay. Long, textural, peppery and savoury finish. Drink or hold. 97 points - James Suckling. (2022 review). 100% Gamay.
Au Crible 2023
From a plot of just over 20 ares with old Chardonnays on a very steep slope. 100% Chardonnay.