Domaine Henri Chauvet - Braconage - Magnum 2024
Henri Chauvet is establishing himself among the young winemakers to watch in Auvergne since his establishment in Boudes, south of Issoire, in spring 2021. He took over about 10.5 hectares of vines in an area known for the uniqueness of its soils and the very personal expression of its Gamays, Pinots Noirs, and Chardonnays. His journey led him to work with several winemakers, notably in the Rhône Valley and with Thierry Allemand in Cornas, an experience that nurtured his taste for frank, precise wines deeply linked to their origin. Around Boudes, the terroirs mix red clays rich in iron oxide, quartz, colored marls, and volcanic or basaltic influences, offering great complexity of expression. This diversity explains Henri Chauvet's interest in this still discreet area, capable of producing wines of true intensity. His work is based on a search for sincerity, with low-intervention vinifications, indigenous yeasts, and measured aging. With Braconage 2024 in magnum, he offers a generous and convivial interpretation of Gamay, in a 1.5-liter format particularly suited for sharing and wine evolution.
Braconage 2024 is a cuvée made from Gamay from the Orliénas sector in the Coteaux du Lyonnais, presented as Vin de France. It differs from the cuvées directly from the Boudes vineyards but retains the imprint of Henri Chauvet's style through a pursuit of pure fruit, freshness, and balance. The grapes are vinified whole cluster, with spontaneous fermentation and maceration of about 10 to 12 days, to preserve the aromatic drive of the grape variety while providing a fine structure. The nine-month aging on lees, mainly in stoneware jars and complemented by old barrels, supports the texture without imposing a dominant woody character. Bottled without fining or filtration, with very limited sulfur use before bottling, it follows a precise and controlled natural wine approach. The 2024 vintage delivers a supple, juicy, and dynamic Gamay, marked by immediate fruit expression and beautiful mouth energy. Magnum packaging generally favors slower and more harmonious evolution than a classic bottle, making this 1.5-liter version particularly interesting for short to medium aging or a fine table.
On tasting, Domaine Henri Chauvet Braconage Magnum 2024 offers a fresh, vibrant, and very expressive Gamay, dominated by crunchy red fruits, cherry, raspberry, and redcurrant. Whole cluster brings a floral and spicy dimension, with nuances of peony, fine pepper, and a slight noble vegetal touch. On the palate, the wine is supple, digestible, and lively, supported by natural acidity that gives relief to the body. The tannins remain fine, the stoneware aging preserves the fruit's clarity, and the old barrels provide only discreet support to the texture. The finish is salivating, slightly peppery, and very convivial, with that drinkability charm typical of well-made Gamays. This magnum will perfectly accompany a large table around roasted poultry, pâté en croûte, fine charcuterie, veal chop, light grills, or roasted vegetables. Served slightly chilled, it will be enjoyed brilliantly in its youth while benefiting from the magnum format to gradually gain cohesion and complexity.
Grape variety: 100% Gamay
