Henri Chauvet De Cendre et Dame Magnum 2023

Henri Chauvet is a small, artisan producer working in the Auvergne region of central France, an area with a long but lesser known winemaking history centred around volcanic terroirs. Based near the Côtes d’Auvergne appellation, Chauvet focuses on organic and low intervention viticulture, working with old vines and manual vineyard practices. The vineyards are planted on volcanic soils rich in basalt, ash and clay, which contribute distinctive mineral character and freshness. The continental climate, with cool nights and moderate summers, helps preserve acidity. In the cellar the approach is low intervention, with indigenous yeasts, minimal sulphur and wines often bottled unfined and unfiltered. While not certified, the overall philosophy is very much aligned with organic and natural winemaking.

De Cendre et Dame Magnum 2023 is typically made from Gamay, sometimes with a small proportion of Pinot Noir depending on the vintage. The grapes are hand harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts, often using partial whole cluster fermentation to enhance aromatic lift. The wine undergoes gentle extraction and is aged for around 6 to 8 months in neutral vessels such as concrete or older oak to preserve purity and texture. It shows aromas of red cherry, raspberry and wild herbs, with subtle smoky and mineral notes reflecting the volcanic soils. The palate is fresh and vibrant with fine tannins and bright acidity. It pairs well with charcuterie, roast poultry, grilled vegetables and light meat dishes.