 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Demi
Sec |
|
|
Vouvray: Vouvray is the largest white wine appellation of the Anjou-Saumur-Touraine region producing splendid wines from the dry and austere to the richest dessert wines, as well as excellent sparkling wines. Vouvray is made exclusively from Chenin Blanc, which has been grown in the region since the 4th century. On average, 50% of each vintage is made into still wine and 50% is made sparkling. The siliceous-clay, and limestone-clay soils lie on top of tuffeau, the limestone used to build the many châteaux of the surrounding countryside. The cool climate insures good acidity, which is balanced by the distinctly fruity character of the Chenin Blanc, and the mineral qualities imparted by the soil. Vouvray can age magnificently for decades and has been known to remain in prime condition for more than a century. The wine develops richness and depth over time but will never lose its fresh and fruity character. Cepage: Chenin Blanc.
About the Producer: The Domain de Vaugondy vineyard is base on the village of Vernou, between two rivers : the Cisse and the Brenne. Well exposed it annually gives a good maturation in the grape On steep hillside vineyards, Philippe Perdriaux grows only the Chenin Blanc for which the appellation is famous, and he is one of the few individual producers in the region which is increasingly dominated by negociant bottlers. The age of the vines on the property vary from 20 to 55 years, and they apparently keep yields down to a low level. He produces a classic dry Vouvrays, as well as this demi-sec wine known as Moelleux, which literally translates to "mellow." This term is often used to refer to describe wines that are semi-sweet, but don't reach the sugar levels normally associated with full dessert wines. To make a Moelleux, he allows some of the grapes to become botrytized, or infected with Noble Rot, a process which concentrates the sugar in the grapes (most famously used to produce Sauternes).
Tasting Notes: This wine is a light yellow gold in the glass and has a wonderfully different bouquet of aromas, which include old parchment, banana, flint, and some tropical fruits that are hard to pin down. In the mouth it is sweet yet balanced nicely with some acidity, and shows primary flavors of pineapple, quince, and fresh rainwater that fade into a nice finish.
Recommended Food Pairing: While technically this wine could make an excellent aperitif wine or something to sip on its own, I chose to serve it at a wine dinner with a dessert of caramelized pineapple cake, and panna cotta topped with pineapple granita. It is a very good pairing with oriental spicy dishes, Thai food and sushis.
Awards: Concours general de Paris 2009 : silver medal for the 2007 demi sec - Guide Hachette 2009 : 1 star demi sec 2007
|
