(April 28, 2022) …
Today, it was all about Vouvray with some facts and figures about the region and its wines. Here’s what we learned:
Vouvray is made up of 60% sparkling wines, 30% still/dry wines and 10% off-dry/sweet wines.
Chenin Blanc (aka Pineau de Loire) is the main grape used.
10,000 hectares of Chenin is grown in France – Vouvray makes up 3,000 hectares of that.
There is a sweet side to Vouvray, as 1.5g is still considered dry.
There are 1449 “le dit” – small parcel of land within the region.
The Wines …
(all wines made from Chenin Blanc)
Domaine de la Canopee 2020 Clairiere Sec Blanc
Nice dry palate, with pear and almond paste notes; there’s also subtle beeswax and good texture. The acidity helps balance the wine. (****)
Domaine Champalou 2021 Champalou Sec Blanc
There is a perceptible sugary note from the nose to palate: pretty floral and pear notes, but once again the acidity helps to balance the wine and keep it from being syrupy. (*** ½+)
Domaine de la Galiniere 2019 Terroir Sec Blanc
A little lemon and lime, hints of pear, this one was pretty underwhelming, but still a drinkable wine. (***+)
Vignoble Chateau Moncontour 2019 Les Chapelles Blanc
Richer texture, almost chewy at points with candied grapefruit, dried pear, and a nice length. (*** ½+)
Domaine Brisebarre Philippe 2018 Vignoble Brisebarre Sec Blanc
Pretty pear and apple blossom kick things off with a freshness factor that I very much enjoyed. Nice length with subtle semi-sweet beeswax / buckwheat honey finish; all nicely balanced. (****)
Domaine Brunet Sebastien 2016 Renaissance Sec Blanc
The waxy note seems to dominate the wine; fruit seems to be hiding in the background as the honey and beeswax notes rise to the surface, there’s nice acidity and a bitterness to the finish so there is a complex element behind the wine. (*** ½)