July 29, 2025
13 of the Best Chenin Blancs From the Loire Valley
Still
Christophe Vigneau-Chevreau
Vouvray
Chenin Blanc
Dry-farmed vines averaging 40 years old, planted at the regulated Vouvray density of 6600 vines per hectare. Manual harvest using small (30kg) crates. 45 hectoliters/hectare yields on average.
Biodynamic and Certified Organic
Tuffeau and argillaceous (clay) chalks with some parcels composed of Silex and covered by Perruches, Touraine’s flinty stones.
69 acres total of Chenin Blanc across 4 of the 8 small villages of Vouvray. Certified Organic in 1999 by ECOCERT (practicing Biodynamic but not certified). Tuffeau and argillaceous (clay) chalks with some parcels composed of Silex and covered by Perruches, Touraine’s flinty stones. Clos de Rougemont site planted on argilo-calcaire (clay and calcareous limestone chalk) soils.
Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts. A small portion of the wine ferments in used oak demi-muid, but the majority is done in temp-controlled stainless steel. No additives are used other than SO2. No fining. One filtration right before bottling. RS : 5 g/l; Total acidity : 4.2 g/l. Total SO2 70mg/l.
Rests on the fine lees until spring, at which time the portion fermented in barrel is blended with the portion fermented in steel to age in steel until bottling. Bottling is done at a young age (~April) to avoid oxidation and minimize use of sulphites.
Bottle, Cork, Vegan
0.750
Delaware, National, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania
The nose offers a complex and fresh bouquet, fruity flavors such as quince, pear and citrus. Perfectly balanced, sugar and acidity in the mouth provide a medium-body structure. The finish is mineral and incredibly long.