Chermette

Domaine Pierre-Marie Chermette

I search out wines as naturally made as possible; but only if this contributes to the wine being better. Domaine du Vissoux may just be the most perfect expression in my whole portfolio of what I seek, for this very ability to be natural and great, at once. First natural. How’s this: Pierre Chermette's yields are so low and the grapes so naturally ripe that he does not chaptalize. He uses only indigenous yeasts (no " banana yeast " culture, a la Duboeuf). Then a traditional, longer fermentation, aging in oak foudre and bottling for us with no filtration, and without adding any sulfites, in most vintages. It is as natural a Beaujolais as one could have had in a café in Lyon in the 40’s. As for quality, Domaine du Vissoux is the Beaujolais at Willi’s in Paris, Cave la Grande, and just about every Bar-A-Vin in Paris. Pierre Chermette and his wife Martine also have wines in two of the Cru. Their parcel of Moulin-A-Vent is named Rochegres, and the wine so structured that it is aged in oak barrique. In Fleurie they have a parcel in Poncie (making perhaps one of the most classic and balanced Fleurie I have ever tasted) and, with ’96, Les Garants (to Fleurie what Romanee-Conti is to Vosne-Romanee.) His one-star rating in Revue du Vin de France Classification "is near". - Peter Weygandt

  • Country:
    • France
  • Varietals: Chardonnay , Gamay
  • Agricultural Standards: Sustainable