Domaine Henri Chauvet - A Fleur de Peau 2023
Henri Chauvet settled in Boudes, south of Issoire, in one of the most characteristic areas of the Auvergne vineyard. Since spring 2021, he has been working approximately 10.5 hectares of vines in a landscape of hills marked by strong geological diversity. Before settling in Auvergne, he gained multiple experiences with demanding winemakers, notably in the Rhône Valley, including a significant stint with Thierry Allemand in Cornas. This journey has nurtured a vision of wine based on precision, the energy of the place, and minimal intervention in the cellar. In Boudes, the soils mix red clays rich in iron oxide, quartz, marls, and volcanic or basaltic influences, giving the wines a unique depth. The estate mainly cultivates Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, seeking a clear expression of the soils rather than an imposed style. A Fleur de Peau 2023 fits into this dynamic, offering an Auvergne interpretation of Chardonnay that is both sensitive, textured, and mineral.
The A Fleur de Peau 2023 cuvée is a white wine made from Chardonnay, produced by direct pressing to preserve the brightness of the fruit and the finesse of the material. This approach highlights a pure expression of the grape variety, without seeking opulence or extraction. In the Auvergne lands, Chardonnay takes on a particular dimension, carried by the freshness of the hills and the mineral imprint of the soils. The volcanic and basaltic components of the area bring a unique vibration to the wine, while the clays and marls contribute to the texture. Henri Chauvet favors gentle vinification, consistent with his work on precise and balanced natural wines. The 2023 vintage here gives a white that is both expressive and restrained, where aromatic maturity remains framed by clear freshness. A Fleur de Peau 2023 thus stands out for its delicate touch, discreet depth, and resolutely Auvergne identity.
On tasting, Domaine Henri Chauvet A Fleur de Peau 2023 reveals a luminous Chardonnay, supported by notes of candied citrus, ripe lemon, fresh pear, and white flowers. Aeration can bring out more subtle nuances of zest, warm stone, and delicate yellow fruits. The palate seduces with its silky, almost tactile texture, giving the wine an enveloping sensation without ever losing its tension. The mineral freshness balances the material and extends the finish with elegance. The whole remains precise, digestible, and unique, in a style of natural white that favors the energy and sincerity of the terroir. This Chardonnay will pair perfectly with grilled fish, shellfish, farm poultry, herb risotto, roasted vegetables, or aged goat cheese. It can be appreciated in its youth for its liveliness and aromatic brightness, while gaining complexity after a few years in the cellar.
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
