From: Vouvray, France
Blend: Chenin Blanc
Taste: Fresh peach and quince paste meld with spice and truffle salt on the nose. The palate is an elegant dance of ripe yellow fruits and brioche, leading to a long finish. Golden in color, it presents medium-sized bubbles and a refreshing dryness, with notes of dried honey dust and crushed shells, all underscored by good acidity.
Pairing: While delightful on its own, its true potential is unlocked with food. It pairs exceptionally well with a beet salad, quiche, charcuterie, and sushi. Lighter fare such as salads, vegetables, white fish, and soufflés are recommended with a glass of Vourvray. Additionally, both dry and off-dry variants of Vouvray harmonize beautifully with another Loire Valley delicacy, goat cheese.
Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Recipe from Daniel Humm
Adapted by Christine Muhlke
About. Founded in 1928 by Victor Huet and his son Gaston, the estate has become synonymous with exceptional Chenin Blanc, cultivated across thirty hectares spanning Haut-Lieu, Mont, and Clos du Bourg. This deep-rooted connection to the land is further enriched by their pioneering approach to biodynamic cultivation, which respects the soil, plant, and environment, enhancing the wines' character and the authenticity of their terroirs.
Domaine Huet's embrace of biodynamics in 1988 marked a significant turning point. This method, influenced by the rhythms of the planets, mirrors the wisdom of ancient winegrowers, infusing their craft with a harmonious balance. The result is a living terroir, expressing its complexity and reinforcing its identity. Under the guidance of winemaker Jean-Bernard Berthome, Domaine Huet's wines, including the 2017 Pétillant, exemplify transparency, purity, and a precise balance.
The terroir of Domaine Huet is a tapestry of diverse elements. The brown clays of Haut-Lieu, Mont's flinty soil, and the Clos du Bourg's limestone contribute to Chenin Blanc's unparalleled elegance. These elements, combined with over two decades of biodynamic agriculture, capture the essence of each vintage.
The Vouvrillon grape variety, known as Chenin or “Plan du Clair de Lune,” is a singular entity that magnificently mirrors the terroirs and vintages in sparkling and still wines. Known for its natural acidity and captivating aromatic range, Chenin matures slowly, gaining in finesse and subtlety. The 2017 Pétillant features a medium-fine bubble, allowing Chenin’s fleshy expression to shine. Aged for at least three years on lees in cellars carved into tuffeau stone, this wine undergoes a meticulous process to refine its distinctive character.
