The appellation of Saumur-Champigny could not have found a better person to preside over its producers union than Jean-Pierre Chevallier.

To the prerequisites of diplomacy and a sense of what’s best for everyone, Jean-Pierre also adds a touch of perfectionism. As a result of his presidency, the appelation’s wines have been able to ascend in quality levels. As early as twenty years ago, the Château de Villeneuve made a concerted effort to produce not just ho-hum wines, but superior wines reflecting their place. These wines can be classified among Saumur-Champigny’s trio of elites.

Their basic cuvée – which is anything but a basic wine – is sold in SAQs. It’s a Cabernet Franc de soif, but not without its own complexities. It is a sapid, highly drinkable wine, helped in no small part by the brightness of the fruit and the soft tannins. Fortunately, the wine is almost always availabile. The intermediate cuvée Vieilles Vignes, and the high-end cuvée Le Grand Clos are both distributed through private importation.