Wines Unspecified Pierre Chauvin - Bulle de Chenin - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Pierre Chauvin’s “Cuvée Bulle de Chenin” 2022 is a sparkling wine crafted entirely from Chenin Blanc, one of the Loire Valley’s most emblematic grape varieties. This cuvée, made in a Brut Nature style, promises a dry and crystalline tasting experience, with no added dosage ensuring purity and authenticity of expression. The 2022 vintage has benefited from favourable weather, allowing Chenin to reveal its full aromatic complexity. Expect a lively effervescence, pale straw colour, and aromas recalling green apples, white peach, citrus blossom and freshly baked bread. The palate is incisive and vibrant, punctuated by chalky minerality and a refreshing, persistent finish. The natural fermentation preserves the variety’s verve, providing a wine that is both textured and agile.

The Loire Valley, stretching from the Atlantic coast towards central France, is renowned for its diversity of soils and microclimates. Its patchwork of schist, tuffeau, and clay-limestone terrains, combined with a temperate climate moderated by the river, is especially suited to Chenin Blanc. This region has a long-standing heritage of producing expressive sparkling wines, particularly around towns like Saumur and Vouvray, where traditional methods reveal the grape’s depth and finesse. Loire winemaking embraces both tradition and modernity, with a keen focus on reflecting terroir nuances in the bottle.

As a Brut Nature sparkling wine, Cuvée Bulle de Chenin is the perfect aperitif, cleansing the palate with its taut acidity. It pairs beautifully with delicate seafood—think freshly shucked oysters, scallops carpaccio, or smoked trout. Regional goat’s cheeses such as Crottin de Chavignol also harmonise excellently with its minerality. For a more substantial pairing, try it alongside a terrine de poisson or sushi, allowing the wine’s vivacity to shine through.

For optimal appreciation, serve this sparkling wine well chilled, ideally between 6-8°C. Open shortly before serving to preserve effervescence, and enjoy in flute or tulip glasses to concentrate the aromatic profile. Cuvée Bulle de Chenin 2022 will reward careful service with freshness and elegance.