The 2022 Vouvray Moelleux Première Trie from Domaine Le Haut-Lieu is a captivating expression from the Loire Valley, crafted exclusively from Chenin Blanc grapes. This cuvée is sourced from the legendary Le Haut-Lieu vineyard, renowned for its clay-limestone soils which imbue the wines with notable finesse and structure. The term “Première Trie” refers to the meticulously selected first harvest of the ripest and healthiest grapes, resulting in a sweet wine characterised by a sublime balance between luscious sugar content and vibrant acidity. The wine’s biodynamic certification further underlines the domaine’s commitment to minimal intervention and environmental respect, resulting in purity of fruit and deep terroir expression. The 2022 vintage in the Loire was marked by favourable ripening conditions, enhancing the generous aromatic intensity and complexity typical of Vouvray’s finest moelleux.
Vouvray sits on the northern banks of the Loire River, east of Tours, a region famed for its cool continental climate which preserves acidity and concentrates flavours in Chenin Blanc. The soils here—mainly tuffeau limestone mixed with clay—provide ideal drainage and encourage deep root systems, critical for the development of rich, ageworthy wines. The history of Vouvray is steeped in centuries of winemaking tradition, with the appellation internationally recognised for producing some of the world’s most compelling and long-lived white wines, ranging from dry to lusciously sweet.
This moelleux style, with its opulent notes of quince, honeyed pear, acacia blossom and stone fruit, lends itself beautifully to a variety of food pairings. Classic regional pairings include Tarte Tatin or tarte aux poires for a resonance of sweetness, while the wine’s acidity cuts beautifully through the richness of foie gras or Roquefort cheese. Exotic dishes—such as chicken with apricots or Moroccan tagines—are also enhanced by the wine’s vibrant fruit and honeyed undertones.
For an optimal tasting experience, serve this Vouvray moelleux at a slightly chilled 8-10°C, allowing the wine’s aromatic complexity and freshness to shine. It may be enjoyed now for its expressive fruit, but will also reward careful cellaring, gradually unveiling deeper, more nuanced notes over time.
