Hervé Villemade 'Bovin' Rouge, Vin de France, Loire, France

The 2022 Hervé Villemade 'Bovin' Rouge from the Loire Valley captures the easy-drinking charm of a traditional French bistro red, while delivering the transparency and purity of natural winemaking. Bottled in a nostalgic 1-liter format, this Gamay-based cuvée pays tribute to the local négociant bottlings of the 1950s and 60s, offering a vibrant, joyful experience that’s as grounded in heritage as it is in modern organic practices.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: 100% Gamay (from 40–60-year-old vines)
• Alcohol: 13%
• Soil Type: Clay and flint
• Farming Method: Certified organic
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts, whole cluster maceration (10–12 days)
• Aging: Concrete tank
• Added SO₂: 2g/hL at bottling
• Winemaker: Hervé Villemade

Sensory Description:

This youthful red pours a translucent ruby hue and bursts with aromas of crushed strawberries, red currants, and hints of earth and flint. On the palate, it is juicy, supple, and round, with flavors of ripe cherry, pomegranate, and a whisper of peppery spice. The finish is fresh and mouthwatering, driven by soft tannins and gentle acidity.

Winemaker's Background:

Hervé Villemade has been crafting wines from his family estate in Cellettes since 1995, shifting from conventional to organic farming in 2000. Influenced by natural wine pioneers like Marcel Lapierre and the Puzelat brothers, Hervé eliminated chemical treatments and minimized sulfite use in the cellar. The estate now spans 23 hectares in the Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny AOCs, and includes a négociant arm for local grape purchases. With an emphasis on biodiversity and low intervention, Villemade’s wines are known for their honesty, vibrancy, and sense of place.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the 2022 Hervé Villemade 'Bovin' Rouge slightly chilled at around 16°C (60°F). It’s a perfect companion for aperitifs with charcuterie, grilled sausages, roast chicken, or rustic cheeses. Its freshness and versatility make it ideal for everyday dining or casual gatherings.

This liter-sized red offers exceptional value and authenticity, rooted in old-vine Gamay and Loire tradition. Made with care and minimal intervention, it’s a b