2022 ‘Vouvray Sec'

Chenin Blanc, Loire Valley, France 

Real Chenin heads know that Vouvray is the place to go for opulent & aromatic takes on the famed Loire grape. François, who took the winery over from his father, is joined by his son Julien, one of the few young people in the world to look hot smoking from an old-school pipe. Made from certified organic 45 year old vines, the grapes for this complex sparkling wine are fermented & aged in tank & tonneaux for several months before a second fermentation in the bottle for 2 years on the lees. The tiniest touch of sugar brings the surprisingly savoury & ripe fruit into sharp relief — earthy, yellow apples fallen from the tree, rye toast, wildflower honey, oyster shell, fresh button mushroom & waxy lemon citrus. SUCH a cheese wine, splurge on the figs & drizzle with a touch of honey for a lavish snack.