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Francois et Julien Pinon Vouvray Sec

2019

A bright and crisp Vouvray from top winemakers in the region.

A prime example of a dry Vouvray. Green apple, a hint of honey, hazelnuts, then a strong whiff of coriander.

Bright, laser sharp, crunchy citrus fruits which are offset by a hint of residual sugar that gives it an engaging mouth feel. The fruit is harvested by hand, rigorously sorted and whole-cluster pressed. The juice flows by gravity into tank for a spontaneous native-yeast fermentation that lasts 2-3 months; it stops naturally in Pinon's cold cellar.

The wine is aged on its fine lees for 4-5 months in a variety of oak.

Established in 1786, the estate has been built up over the last seven generations and now covers 37 acres. The vineyard is situated 5 kilometres North-East of Vouvray, in the vallée de Cousse.

Details

More Information
Wine Type	White wine
Closure	Natural Cork
Alc. Vol	13.5
Region	Loire
Country	France
Grape Varietal	Chenin Blanc

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France

France – the home of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne – is arguably the world's most important wine-producing country. For centuries, it has produced wine in greater quantity – and many would say quality – than any other nation, and its attraction is not just volume or prestige, but also the variety of styles available.

The diversity of French wine is due, in part, to the country's wide range of climates. Champagne, its most northerly region, has one of the coolest climates, whereas Bordeaux has a maritime climate, heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the various rivers that wind their way between vineyards. Both in stark contrast to the southern regions of Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon, which enjoy a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters.

Terroir is also key. From the granite hills of Beaujolais to the famous chalky slopes of Chablis and the gravels of the Médoc, the sites and soils on which France's vineyards have been developed are considered of vital importance and are at the heart of the concept of terroir.

The Loire Valley

The heart of France, The Loire Valley follows a 630-mile course from a source near Beaujolais to the Atlantic Ocean, and is famous for its natural beauty, magnificent châteaux, and great wine.

The region can be split into four main areas – lower, middle, central and upper Loire – each with numerous appellations and styles of wines. Whilst the plantings here are varied, you can simplify things by understanding that the Loire Valley is dominated by four major grape varieties – Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne and Cabernet Franc.

The Pays Nantais (Lower Loire) is all about white wines, notably Muscadet – the crisp, dry, sea-salt-y white made from Melon de Bourgogne. The Middle Loire – Anjou, Saumur & Touraine – is where Chenin Blanc gets into its prime (Savennières, Vouvray), where sparkling wines rule (Crémant de Loire), and where Cabernet Franc takes centre stage (Chinon, Saumur-Champigny). Central Loire is home to the most recognizable appellations for quality Sauvignon Blanc – Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé. The Upper Loire or – Auvergne – is an ancient wine growing area of France, but a little harder to track down. Auvergne reds are usually made from Gamay and Pinot Noir, whilst the whites will often be Chardonnay.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a white grape variety that is grown throughout the world, most notably in the French Loire Valley and South Africa. It’s a variety that produces a wide range of styles, from sparkling wines and lean, dry whites to sweet, golden nectars and brandy. The grape itself provides a fairly neutral palate, being able to flaunt the expression of terroir, vintage variation, and the winemaker’s treatment.

In South Africa, Chenin (also called Steen) is the most widely planted variety. It is sometimes blended with Semillon, Viognier, and Marsanne to make a richer-styled wine similar to an oaked Chardonnay. It can also blended with Sauvignon Blanc to create a fresh and zesty dry wine.

The Loire Valley is much cooler in climate. The high acid, less ripe grapes make a great base for sparkling (Crémant de Loire). Riper grapes are used in the richly aromatic, off-dry styles (Vouvray). Finally, at the end of the harvest season, the last grapes picked are beyond ripe or affected with noble rot, which concentrates the grapes’ sugars, lending rich flavours of marmalade, ginger, and saffron. These late harvest grapes go into the famous sweet wines of the region, including Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux.