Cheverny - The New Generation

Without Thierry Puzelat, we would probably not be aware of the village of Cheverny. Located in the Loir-et-Cher department of the Loire Valley, it became a celebrated location thanks to the wines he and his family make under the Clos du Tue Boeuf  name. With a focus on rare, indigenous grape varieties such as Menu Pineau and Romorantin he has encouraged other neighbouring winemakers (such as Hervé Villemade) to do the same.

Now it's great to see a new generation following the trail he blazed. Introducing Peltier Ravineau, the new project of Arthur Peltier & Achille Ravineau. These two friends grew up in Cheverny before venturing around France to study with the likes of Jean-Francois Nicq at Les Foulards Rouges on the route to making their own wine. They finally returned to Cheverny and each spent time working at Clos du Tue Boeuf and Villemade respectively which helped further their deep understanding of viticulture in this part of France.

They currently farm 5 hectares of vines and are looking to replace Chardonnay vines with indigenous Menu Pineau variety. The focus is on continuing the celebrate the surroundings they grew up in rather than trying to replicate a style or fashion from another region. 

2023 was the first vintage that the pair bottled after selling their fruit for the first couple of years. We have just received La Marniere 2023 which is a delightful blend of negotiant Sauvignon Blanc and Menu Pineau grapes. Unfussy but full of local character, this wine finds the perfect balance of precision and rusticity. Subtle and refined Sauvignon Blanc characteristics with mineral goodness provided by the Menu Pineau. An honest and well made white wine that would be perfect at the table for a casual midweek dinner. 

We look forward to new releases from Ravineau Peltier over the coming months but for now, it's nice to see that the future of natural winemaking in this region is in good hands.

Happy drinking!