Chenin Blanc Grape

Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire are two “twin” appellations located near Tours and separated by the Loire River. Vouvray (2 200 hectares) is located on the right bank whereas Montlouis-sur-Loire (380 hectares) is located on the left bank. The Chenin Blanc, the unique grape variety in these appellations really takes off to offer different styles of white wines: dry, sweet moelleux, liquoreux or sparkling wine. Most of the vineyards are planted on a plateau that subsoils of tuffeau stone are covered with deposits of flint clay and sands. The climate of the region is continental with some maritime influence from the Atlantic Ocean but the specificity of these wines is the reflection of different microclimates peculiar to each valley. The Chenin blanc wines are characterized by the grape’s natural high acidity and on the best vintages the sweetness level allows the production of moelleux (12 to 45 grams of sugar per liter) and liquoreux wines (above 50 grams of sugar per liter).

These types of wines can age from 7 to 30 years or more. In their youth, Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire can exhibit notes of locust tree, rose and citrus fruit, and with the ageing the notes of honey, nuts and quince are appearing. The dry wines are classy and generous while the sweet moelleux are rich and fresh. Wine novice or interested in discovering wines you do not have access to?  Every month receive two bottles of exclusive French wines at home with our sommelier’s tasting guide. Find out more Our sommelier’s selection of Vouvray available here.  

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