Herve Villemade Bulle Blanche

Wine Type: Sparkling White
Style: Loire Valley natural sparkling; fresh, citrus-driven, floral, lightly textured, mineral, refreshing
Vintage: NV
Bottle Size: 750ml
Grape Variety: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Menu Pineau
Appellation: Vin de France
Country: France
Region: Cheverny, Loire Valley
Producer: Domaine Hervé Villemade
Winemaker: Hervé Villemade
Vineyard: Organically farmed estate vineyards surrounding Cellettes, in the Cheverny region
Soil: Clay, sand, and flint over limestone
Farming: Certified organic; hand-harvested; minimal-intervention winemaking
Alcohol: Not confirmed for the current bottling
Fermentation: Indigenous-yeast fermentation followed by secondary fermentation in bottle using the traditional method
Aging: Aged on lees in bottle before disgorgement; minimal sulfur additions
Food Pairings: Oysters, littleneck clams, fried calamari, roast chicken, fresh goat cheese, gougères, grilled shrimp, soft cheeses

Tasting Note:
Hervé Villemade’s “Bulle Blanche” is a lively, expressive Loire Valley sparkling wine that balances bright citrus fruit with delicate floral aromatics and subtle savory complexity. Green apple, lemon zest, ripe pear, white peach, and fresh herbs lead into a crisp, finely textured palate. Gentle lees aging adds a touch of richness, while vibrant acidity and a distinctive mineral edge keep the wine refreshing. Fine bubbles and a clean, saline finish make this a wonderfully versatile sparkling wine, equally suited to aperitifs, seafood, and casual gatherings.

About the Producer:
Hervé Villemade is one of the Loire Valley’s most respected natural-wine producers, based in Cellettes, near Cheverny. Taking over his family’s vineyards in the mid-1990s, Villemade transitioned the estate to organic farming and embraced indigenous fermentations, minimal sulfur, and a hands-off approach in the cellar. Working with traditional Loire varieties, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Menu Pineau, Gamay, and Pinot Noir, he produces wines celebrated for their freshness, purity, and expressive character. “Bulle Blanche” showcases his playful approach to sparkling wine, combining Loire Valley freshness with the texture and complexity of bottle fermentation.