Wines Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu - 2003

Viniou Reviews

Le Haut-Lieu 2003 Vouvray Moelleux is a distinctive Loire Valley white wine crafted from the Chenin Blanc grape variety, renowned for its incredible aromatic complexity and remarkable ageing potential. The 2003 vintage in Vouvray was marked by a particularly warm and dry season, producing opulent, concentrated wines with generous residual sugars, translating into a rich, luscious Moelleux style. Le Haut-Lieu is celebrated as one of Domaine Huet’s most emblematic vineyards, planted on deep clay-limestone soils. The careful selection of late-harvested grapes, often with botrytis (noble rot), and slow fermentation in old oak barrels, underpins the wine’s layered sweetness and vibrant acidity, ensuring poise and persistence on the palate.

Vouvray, situated on the right bank of the Loire River, has a long and illustrious winemaking history spanning centuries. The region benefits from a temperate climate, moderated by the Loire, offering cool mornings and mild afternoons which preserve freshness in the grapes. Tuffeau limestone soils are a particular hallmark, imparting finesse and minerality to the wines. Vouvray’s unique terroir, combined with Chenin Blanc’s natural vigour, results in an extraordinary spectrum of wine styles, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, with the Moelleux wines like this one exemplifying the ability to age gracefully for decades.

For culinary pairings, a Vouvray Moelleux such as Le Haut-Lieu 2003 pairs beautifully with blue cheeses like Roquefort or Fourme d’Ambert, where the wine’s sweetness balances the salt and intensity of the cheese. It is also exceptionally well-suited to foie gras, either as a starter or with spiced chutneys, reflecting classic pairings from the Loire region. For a dessert option, consider poached pears with vanilla and honey, or a tarte Tatin, where the wine’s honeyed notes will echo those in the dish.

Serve Le Haut-Lieu 2003 slightly chilled but not cold, ideally at 10-12°C, to allow its full aromatic expression to unfold. If opened young, consider decanting to reveal further depth and complexity.