The Loire Valley‘s Vouvray area is synonymous with chenin blanc, which is nearly the one grape grown right here. The grape is classically used to make very dry and crisp wines, however as we’ll see on this roundup of six expressions, it’s a flexible grape that may discover a dwelling in varied types of glowing wine and even sweeter expressions.
Let’s dive in.
NV Domaine Vigneau-Chevreau Further Brut – (Observe: Further Brut is sweeter than Brut, confusingly.) Tropical and lemony on the nostril, this wine includes a vastly creamy physique that fills the mouth with an nearly foamy effervescence, showcasing apples, lemon, and a barely salty seaweed character. The tropical vibe continues because the end comes into view, with some coconut components including a extra beachy high quality to the encounter. The sunshine contact of sweetness is welcome right here, including a light-weight elevate to a end that leans into crushed almonds and a few of that coconut’s husk. My favourite of the sparklers. A- / $20
NV Denis Breussin Vouvray Brut – Mild and summery, this mild and dry sparkler provides a restrained apple character with a squeeze of lemon on high, a minimum of till the fruit fades away, forsaking a gently perfumed and flowery character. Hints of camphor and eucalyptus give the wine a springtime vibe, with peach blossoms including a stunning contact of orchard fruit on the end. Easy however nice. B+ / $25
NV Domaine des Aubuisieres Brut Zero – Zero dosage means this sparkler is as brut because it will get, and that description isn’t any lie. Mild notes of white flowers and lime leaf inform a palate that couldn’t be extra ephemeral, a gossamer wisp of a wine that hints at fresh-baked bread, however maybe a room away. Whereas nary a bubble rises to the highest of the glass as soon as the wine is poured, it nonetheless feels closely fizzy on the palate, a foamy carbonation with overtones of quinine and, vaguely, grapefruit peel. Too summary for me. B- / $17
2023 Clos Thierriere Les Pleurs – This can be a comparatively easy wine, however one which may be very refreshing, the perfumed white flowers evident on the nostril balanced right here and on the palate with layers of lemon curd and lightweight touches of peach to maintain the fragrance in verify. The effusive end leans extra tropical, with lychee components shiny and summery. Whereas Vouvray tends to be very dry, this expression reveals how chenin blanc can actually shock you generally. Fill up for hotter days. A / $32
2023 Domaine de la Fontainerie Coteau La Fontainerie – Initially extraordinarily dry, this chenin blanc providing settles down with (plenty of) time in glass to point out off its extra perfumed components, dense with honeysuckle and a contact of camphor, with components of orange flower honey clinging to the end. The heady white flowers and eucalyptus notes preserve the main focus firmly on the backyard right here, making this a full of life choose for springtime sipping. Actually, it is a wine I couldn’t cease sniffing, even once I was achieved consuming it. B+ / $24
2022 Domaine Gaudron Vouvray Demi-Sec – A semi-sweet expression of chenin blanc, this wine reveals off a reasonably blunt spun sugar notice on the assault, resulting in a darker and earthier honey character that by no means actually takes off. Mild notes of florals, baking spice, and funky guava result in a fairly doughy end, laden with notes of sweetened coconut. By no means fairly put collectively sufficient to work both with dinner or dessert. C / $21
NV Domaine des Aubuisieres Brut Zero
USD17
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