Philippe Delmée “Les Ch’nins on boit et la caravane passe” 2021   Philippe Delmée “Les Ch’nins on boit et la caravane passe” is one of those cult natural Chenin Blancs that perfectly captures the Loire’s wild, expressive side—while also having a bit of attitude baked into the name. 🍷 What it is Region: Loire Valley (Anjou area) Appellation: Vin de France (very free, non-restrictive) Grape: 100% Chenin Blanc Style: Natural white (often slightly pétillant / alive) 👉 This is not a clean, polished Loire Chenin—it’s textural, mineral, and a bit untamed. 🤔 The name (it actually means something) “Les Ch’nins on boit et la caravane passe” is a pun on a French proverb: “Les chiens aboient, la caravane passe”(“Dogs bark, but the caravan moves on”) Here, “chiens” (dogs) becomes “Ch’nins” (Chenin). 👉 The message:ignore critics and keep doing your thing—a direct nod to natural winemaking philosophy 🧑🌾 Producer style Philippe Delmée is very much in the Loire natural wine camp: Organic farming Native yeast fermentation No fining or filtration Often little to no added sulphur Long élevage in old barrels or foudre (around 12 months) 👉 The result: wines that are pure, energetic, and sometimes a little unpredictable 🧪 Winemaking character Grapes from multiple plots on schist soils (key for minerality) Direct press (more delicate extraction) Long aging in old wood Sometimes bottled with a bit of residual sugar → can cause slight spritz (petillant) 👃 Tasting profile This is where it gets interesting—classic Chenin, but dialled into a natural, mineral style: Aromas 🍏 Green apple, lemon, lime 🌼 Elderflower, white blossom 🪨 Flinty / stony notes Palate High, mouthwatering acidity Linear at first, then opens up with air Light-to-medium body but with serious texture Long, mineral finish with a slightly savoury edge Often described as:➡️ crisp + electric + textured rather than rich or fruity