From: Vouvray, Loire Valley, France
Varietal: Chenin Blanc
Taste: In the glass, the 2006 ‘Première Trie’ pours a deep gold with amber highlights. The nose is intense and layered, showing ripe apricot, quince paste, candied citrus peel, and acacia honey, followed by hints of saffron, mushroom, and lanolin. On the palate, the wine is dense and unctuous with a broad texture, supported by vivid acidity that keeps it lifted. Flavors of marmalade, baked apple, dried pineapple, and chamomile tea build through the mid-palate, layered with mineral undertones and light oxidative notes from bottle age. The finish is long and honeyed, with lingering spice, citrus oil, and a mouth-coating waxy richness.
Pairing: This moelleux-style Chenin, especially in a late-harvest “Première Trie” expression, pairs well with dishes that balance sweetness, texture, and savory or spiced elements. Start by matching richness: look for dishes with creamy or nut-based components, or those where natural sweetness is an integral part of the flavor profile.
About: Domaine Huet is based in the town of Vouvray in France’s Loire Valley and has been one of the region's key names since its founding in 1928. The domaine was founded by Victor Huet and his son, Gaston, who returned from World War I with the idea of turning to wine for a more stable life. Gaston took over running the domaine early on and remained involved until he died in 2002. He was also the mayor of Vouvray for many years and helped shape local wine laws and standards after World War II.
The estate focuses entirely on Chenin Blanc and works only within the Vouvray AOC. It’s best known for wines that age well and clearly show differences between vintages and vineyard sites. Domaine Huet produces wines in four styles: dry (sec), off-dry (demi-sec), sweet (moelleux), and sparkling (pétillant), all from their estate-owned vineyards.
