Wines Vouvray Domaine Huet - Moelleux Première Trie Haut Lieu - 2015

Domaine Huet's Vouvray Moelleux Première Trie Haut Lieu 2015 is an outstanding expression of Chenin Blanc, crafted from meticulously selected late-harvested grapes. This cuvée, classified as "Première Trie," signifies that only the most beautifully botrytised bunches—a result of noble rot—were chosen, ensuring remarkable intensity and complexity. The Haut-Lieu vineyard, one of Huet's historic parcels, is renowned for its deep, clay-rich soils covering a limestone bedrock, offering the wines both aromatic expressiveness and vibrant minerality. The 2015 vintage benefited from ample sunshine and ideal weather conditions, allowing for a slow, concentrated ripening and the development of noble rot, leading to golden, luscious grapes. Gentle pressing, slow fermentation, and careful ageing in old oak barrels highlight the purity of fruit and preserve the lively acidity that is the hallmark of great Vouvray moelleux.

The Vouvray appellation, nestled in the heart of the Touraine region in the Loire Valley, enjoys a temperate, relatively cool climate with significant maritime influence from the nearby Atlantic. Its tuffeau (soft limestone) and clay soils provide excellent drainage, contributing to the region's unique ability to produce both dry and sweet wines with remarkable ageing potential. Vouvray has a long-established reputation for producing some of the world's finest Chenin Blanc—wines that perfectly balance sweetness and acidity, with a fascinating array of honeyed, floral, and mineral notes. Domaine Huet, established in 1928, is regarded as an iconic producer, pioneering biodynamic practices and championing the expression of terroir.

A wine of such rich, honeyed sweetness and zesty freshness pairs beautifully with blue cheeses like Roquefort or Stilton, whose saltiness matches the wine's natural sweetness. Classic pairings include foie gras, poultry with fruit-based sauces (such as duck à l’orange), or even subtly spiced Asian dishes. For a regional touch, consider enjoying it with a traditional Touraine goat’s cheese—its sweetness balances the cheese’s tangy sharpness wonderfully. It also makes an exquisite companion to fruit tarts or apple crumble.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Vouvray moelleux at a cool but not chilled temperature—between 10 and 12°C. This will allow the wine’s complex aromas of quince, acacia, honey, and dried apricot to fully express themselves, while the palate retains its vibrant, balancing acidity. Decanting is not necessary, but giving the wine a few minutes in the glass will allow it to blossom beautifully.