Le Haut-Lieu Moelleux Première Trie 2015 from Vouvray is a remarkable bottle crafted from 100% Chenin Blanc, the emblematic grape variety of the region. This particular cuvée, "Première Trie", signifying the very first and best selection of botrytised grapes, epitomises top-tier moelleux (sweet) style Vouvray. The 2015 vintage was blessed with favourable weather, allowing for optimal noble rot development, which translates into a beautifully intense and complex wine with layers of ripe orchard fruit, honey, acacia, candied citrus, and distinctive mineral undertones. The meticulous vinification at Domaine Huet’s Le Haut-Lieu vineyard—one of the original parcels in the estate and celebrated for its rich clay-limestone soils—brings forth texture, elegance, and a harmonious balance between sweetness and vibrant acidity.
Vouvray, situated in the heart of the Loire Valley’s Touraine region, enjoys a temperate climate influenced by the Loire River, facilitating the slow, gentle ripening needed for top-quality sweet wines. The local tuffeau limestone and clay-rich soils imbue the wines with a unique finesse and minerality, making the best examples, such as this one, capable of ageing gracefully for decades. The appellation boasts a rich winemaking tradition tracing back to the Middle Ages, with Chenin Blanc at the core, offering an exceptional range—from dry to luscious sweet styles—depending on the vintage and harvest conditions.
Such a wine lends itself to exquisite food pairings. Its honeyed character and racy acidity suit foie gras beautifully, either as a terrine or pan-seared, allowing the sweetness to counterbalance the richness. Try it with blue cheeses such as Roquefort or Fourme d’Ambert for a classic sweet-savoury combination, or even with tarte Tatin or apple clafoutis to echo its orchard fruit notes. For a local touch, it pairs delightfully with rillons de Tours (local pork belly confit) or rillettes.
To fully appreciate the complexity and vibrant aromas of this Vouvray moelleux, serve well chilled but not too cold, ideally between 10-12°C. Decanting is optional, but allowing a little time in the glass will help the wine reveal its aromatic depth. This bottle is also a candidate for further ageing should you wish to follow its development over the years.
