Domaine Huet Vouvray 'Clos du Bourg' Sec, Loire, France

A shallow layer of clay and limestone over tuffeau gives 2023 Domaine Huet Vouvray 'Clos du Bourg' Sec its distinctive combination of breadth and mineral definition. From a six-hectare walled vineyard above Vouvray’s church, this dry Chenin Blanc brings together generous yellow fruit, floral fragrance and a finely textured palate, held in focus by refreshing acidity.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc.
• ABV: 13%.
• Harvest: Hand-picked in successive passes, selecting fruit according to ripeness and intended wine style.
• Pressing: Whole bunches gently pressed without prior crushing or grinding.
• Settling: Approximately 24 hours before fermentation.
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts, with juice divided between tanks and seasoned barrels; the vineyard is vinified separately.
• Malolactic Fermentation: Not deliberately encouraged; the completed proportion is unspecified.
• Maturation: Approximately six months before bottling, following the estate’s published cellar practice.
• Farming: Organic and biodynamic; Biodyvin-certified.
• Vineyard: Clos du Bourg, a six-hectare walled monopole.
• Exposure: South-facing.
• Soils: Shallow clay-limestone topsoil over tuffeau limestone, with bedrock approximately one metre below the surface.
• Allergen Information: Contains sulphites.
• Owners: Sarah and Hugo Hwang.
• Winemaker and Estate Manager: Benjamin Joliveau.

Sensory Description:

Intense straw yellow, the wine opens with quince, pear, yellow plum and kumquat, accompanied by white flowers, honeyed notes and subtle toasted nuts. The palate is generous and finely textured, balancing ripe fruit with tart apple and citrus freshness. Chalky, stony nuances lend definition, while bright acidity carries the fruit through a long, poised finish.

Awards & Accolades:

• 94 Points: John Gilman, View From the Cellar, May 2024.
• 93 Points: Stuart Pigott, JamesSuckling.com, October 2024.
• 93 Points: Wine Spectator.

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 1928 by Victor Huet and his son Gaston, Domaine Huet established its reputation through three distinctive Chenin Blanc vineyards: Le Haut-Lieu, Le Mont and Clos du Bourg. Early adoption of biodynamics reinforced its commitment to expressing each site separately across dry, demi-sec and sweet wines. Today, owners Sarah and Hugo Hwang work with winemaker Benjamin Joliveau to maintain that continuity, combining meticulous vineyard selection with restrained cellar practices.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 10–12°C in a medium-sized white wine glass. Pair with pan-fried pike-perch and creamed leeks, roast chicken, poultry terrine, mature goat’s cheese or Comté. Allow a little air if initially reserved. Enjoy now for its fruit and freshness, or cellar carefully for greater savoury complexity; Wine Spectator’s published drinking guidance extends through 2037.