Les Athlètes du Vin is a négociant project focused on typical, value-driven wines from the Loire Valley. The idea was conceived by a group of French winemakers called Vini Be Good, who work together to distribute their wines across France. The wines are vinified by various members of the Vini Be Good network using their own grapes or grapes purchased from friends and neighbors in the Loire. The common core philosophy is that wine character first begins on the vine and that the soil is worked in such a way that grapes can draw their quintessential qualities. We are proud to present these wines made by their friends and family, as several of the cuvées are vinified by Gérard Vallée, brother of Mathieu Vallée from Château Yvonne.
The labels for Les Athlètes du Vin are drawings by French artist, illustrator, and cartoonist Michel Tolmer, who has been the unofficial lead artist of the French natural wine movement since the 1990s.
For Les Athlètes du Vin, we have chosen to donate to The Sexual Assault Centre of Alberta (SACE). Please check them out.
Les Athletes Du Vin Gardien De Bulles
100% Chenin
12.5% ABV
Vinification method:
50-year-old vines, made in the Champenoise method, no dosage. Aged for two years on slats. Neutral yeast, 40ppm SO2.
Tasting notes:
Peach, exotic fruits and delicate bubbles.
SKU: 887335 | 12 to a case | 750 ml, glass, cork
ATHLETES DU VIN CHENIN BLANC
100% Chenin
12.5% ABV
Vinification method:
35-year old vines; pneumatic pressing, fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Neutral yeast, Bentonite, Tangential Flow, 34 ppm SO2.
Tasting notes:
Peach, pear, citrus undertones and white flowers.
SKU: 887336 | 12 to a case | 750ml, glass, cork
LES ATHLETES DU VIN CHARDONNAY
100 % Chardonnay
13.5 % ABV
Vinification method:
20-year old vines; hand harvested, pneumatic pressing, fermentation in stainless steel tanks, cold settling. Ambient yeast, Bentonite, Tangential Flow, 33 ppm SO2.
Tasting notes:
Rich mouthfeel with notes of white fruits and a beautiful minerality.
SKU: 887337 | 12 to a case | 750 ml, glass, cork
Athletes Du Vin GAMAY
100% Gamay
13.5% ABV
Vinification method:
30 year old vines, grapes are handpicked and totally destemmed. 14-day maceration in concrete with pump over only. Six month in concrete tanks. Ambient yeast, Bentonite fining, Diatomeaous Earth Filtration, 32 ppm SO2.
Tasting notes:
Black fruits and spiciness with delicate tannins.
SKU: 887338 | 12 to a case | 750ml, glass, cork
Athletes Du Vin Pineau D'aunis
100% Pineau D’Aunis
12% ABV
Vinification method:
50-120 year year old vines; grapes are handpicked and totally destemmed. Two-week maceration in concrete tanks. Aging in concrete tanks for six months on fine lees. Ambient yeast, Bentonite / Pea Protein, Diatomeaous Earth Filtration, 33 ppm SO2.
Tasting notes:
Fresh crisp red fruits, raspberries, spices, and cracked black pepper.
SKU: 887339 | 12 to a case | 750ml, glass, cork
Athletes Du Vin CHINON
100% Cabernet Franc
13% ABV
Vinification method:
25-year-year-old vines; grapes are handpicked. Three-week maceration in concrete tanks. Aging in oak for 6 months. Ambient yeast, Bentonite, Tangential Flow Filtration, 32 ppm SO2.
Tasting notes:
Crisp and fruity, red fruits, long finish.
SKU: 887341 | 12 to a case | 750ml, glass, crown-cap
Athletes Du Vin Pineau NOIR
100% Pinot Noir
13% ABV
Vinification method:
20-year year old vines; grapes are handpicked. Fermented and aged in stainless steel and wooden vats. Neutral yeast, Bentonite, Tangential Flow Filtration, 31 ppm SO2.
Tasting notes:
Very fresh, sour cherry, red fruits and silky tannins.
SKU: 887341 | 12 to a case | 750ml, glass, crown-cap
ATHLETES DU VIN
Mumu Chardonnay
70% Melon de Bourgogne 30% Chardonnay
12.5% ABV
Vinification method:
35-year-old vines, pneumatic pressing.Temperature controlled ferment at 18C, maturation on lees for 6 months for Melon de Bourgogne and 6 months in oak for Chardonnay.
Ambient yeast, Bentonite fining, Tangential Flow Filtration, 30 ppm SO2.
Tasting notes:
Citrus, pineapple; incredibly velvety mouthfeel.
SKU: 896709 | 12 to a case | 750ml, glass, cork
ATHLETES DU VIN
Tourraine Sauvignon Blanc
100% Sauvignon Blanc
13% ABV
Vinification method:
30-year-old vines, grapes are handpicked. Aged in concrete tanks. Ambient yeast, Bentonite fining, Tangential Flow Filtration, 32ppm SO2.
Tasting notes:
White flowers, citrus with a delicate acidity and beautiful freshness and flavour.
SKU: 896710 | 12 to a case | 750ml, glass, cork
ATHLETES DU VIN Grolleau
100% Grolleau
11.5% ABV
Vinification method:
60 year old vines, grapes are handpicked and totally destemmed. Carbonic maceration. Aged in concrete tanks. Ambient yeast, Bentonite fining, Diatomeaous Earth Filtration, 32 ppm SO2.
Tasting notes:
Easy drinking, light and spicy.
SKU: 896711 | 12 to a case | 750ml, glass, cork
ATHLETES DU VIN Saint Nicolas De Bourgueil
100% Cabernet Franc
12.5% ABV
Vinification method:
25 year old vines, grapes are handpicked and totally destemmed. Aged in stainless steel and wooden vats. tanks. Ambient yeast, Bentonite fining, Tangential Flow Filtration, 29 ppm SO2.
Tasting notes:
Beautiful tannins, hints of liquorice and sour cherries.
SKU: 896712 | 12 to a case | 750ml, glass, cork