When Louis Bovard took over his family’s estate well over 30 years ago he set about replanting and expanding his family’s vineyards. His innovative efforts have centered largely around the study and promotion of the indigenous Chasselas but he also recognized that the terroirs of the Vaud were equally suited white varieties that thrive on limestone soils. Inspired by the great wines of the Loire valley, Louis planted Sauvignon Blanc in Epesses and Chenin Blanc in Saint-Saphorin. His tiny, 0.5 hectare parcel of Chenin in Saint-Saphorin is now between 25 and 30 years old and rooted in limestone clay soils. Louis harvests his Chenin when the clusters are fully golden in color in successive passes. Fermented and aged in new, but un-toasted, French oak barrels, he keeps the wine on its lees until mid-summer before bottling it.
