Ludovic Chanson Ich I Go Pet Nat Rose' 2016

Ich I Go Pet Nat Rosé is a pétillant naturel from Ludovic Chanson, made by direct press of 80% Pineau d'Aunis and 20% Gamay. The name is a nod to the Japanese word for strawberry — ichigo — which gives a clear signal of the wine's aromatic direction. The 2016 vintage was made from purchased grapes, as Chanson's estate in Montlouis-sur-Loire is planted primarily to Chenin Blanc, with only small red variety plots.

The wine follows the méthode ancestrale: fermentation begins in tank and finishes in bottle on residual sugar, without any addition of sugar or yeast to trigger secondary fermentation. The result is a lightly sparkling, low-alcohol rosé with fine, soft bubbles. No dosage is added, and the wine is bottled with minimal intervention, consistent with Chanson's non-interventionist approach across his lineup.

Pineau d'Aunis is one of the oldest red varieties in the Loire Valley, known for pale color, bright acidity, light tannins, and a signature white pepper note layered over red fruit. Gamay adds a bit more body and color. Together in a direct-press format, both grapes express fresh strawberry and raspberry, a subtle peppery finish, and the lively acidity typical of the Touraine climate.

Chanson farms his estate near the village of Husseau outside Montlouis organically, certified by ECOCERT. The estate soils are clay-heavy with a limestone base and scattered silex and flint. Average vine age is 40 years. His first solo vintage was 2009, after leaving pharmaceutical research to stage with Vincent Carême in Vouvray and Damien Delecheneau at Domaine La Grange Tiphaine in Amboise.