Hervé Villemade - Cheverny Blanc 2023

Hervé Villemade farms 17ha of vines in the little-known appellation of Cheverny, about half-way up the Loire and about 80 miles downstream of the more famous villages of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. The estate has been in the family since 1939, and Hervé took over in 1995. Around this time he tasted the Morgon of Marcel Lapierre, one of the prime movers in the early days of natural wine. Struck by the purity of these wines, he began organic conversion and has not looked back.

The Cheverny Blanc is a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Chardonnay, combining the fine acidity and fruity aromatics of the former with the rich texture and food-friendliness of Chardonnay. Notes of pear, white peach and lemon verbena on the nose, with a rounded, textural mouthfeel underpinned by refreshing acidity. This is an obvious match with any of our lactic-set goat’s cheeses, and would also pair well with St Jude or Brillat-Savarin.