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Earlier this Spring we spent a lovely day in Vouvray enjoying Chenin Blanc in its many guises. At this point along the river Loire, the Sauvignon Blanc of Sancerre and Pouilly Fume give way to the versatile charms of the noble Chenin Blanc. In the cool climate of this riparian appellation, this late ripening variety retains a structure and texture unparalleled anywhere in the world. Expressing a wide spectrum of scents and flavors, Chenin Blanc, when vinified dry, might yield melon, lime trees, tangerines, lemon curd, a flinty minerality and orchard fruit. Left to ripen to a rousing, golden maturity, even a small glass can sate with heady aromas of crystallized flowers, fragrant honey, that kirsch like quality of marzipan and even rosy Turkish delight. Although some examples naturally reach a lofty 120 grams per liter of residual sugar, Chenin Blanc keeps its balance; bracing acidity compensates for the sweetness and yields a wine of effortless equilibrium. Known most for the semisweet Demi Secs that continue to capture a growing audience, Vouvray is capable of so much more. This prized portion of the Loire fosters every sort of wine from mineral laden sparklers and aromatic, textural dry wines, to vibrant floral Demi Secs and lusciously nectared Möelleux. No other grape variety can pull off such a variety of styles. |
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So here we stood in Pichot's cool cellar, watching our own breath all wrapped up in the engaging conversation of Chenin Blanc and its place in Vouvray. The Pichots are wonderful people making incredible wines. Their Demi Sec Vouvray is what we bring in at the moment but moving through the line up seemed like tasting a wishlist of wines you dream to drink.
We later tasted with Philip Foreau which reinforced our enthusiasm; his are no ordinary wines. We were floored by his Champenois styled sparkling Vouvray. Foreau crafts compelling Vouvrays celebrating Chenin Blanc as only this particular parcel of terroir can. His Moelleux Reserve may have 150 grams residual sugar but you would never guess it for its equipoise of effortless acidity, textured body and pronounced fragrant flavors. I looked up at one point to notice an article framed on his tasting room wall headlined "Les idées claires après un petit verre!" As I ponder what stellar wines Foreau's stellar Vouvrays are, I'm reminded how true it is that all the ideas are clear after a little glass -especially un petit verre of Vouvray Chenin Blanc.
Catch a brief chat with Pichot we caught on video, read tasting notes of the Vouvray we have in stock, and enjoy 15% off all of the six featured Vouvray using promo code 041410 at checkout online. All this at Artisan Vineyards.com |
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Enjoy 15% off
Share the love of friendship and family by sending Vouvray to those you hold dear. Wines may be shipped wherever permitted by law and if you have ever received wine through the post you know the excitement it stirs. Make someone's day! |
| Offer runs through Friday, April 23rd 2010 |
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