White wine drinkers tend to belong to one of 2 camps: fruity or minerally. Today’s Vouvray falls under the fruity category. Many perceive the fruitiness as sweetness as our brain associates fruit with sugar. A real turn-off for the minerally camp!
Source: Vivino
I have tried various vintages (years) of the Champalou Vouvray Sec and enjoyed them all. Vouvray is an area within the Loire Valley of France. It produces whites made from the Chenin Blanc grape. I know, how would you know that from the name – and its not on the label either! To add to the confusion, this Vouvray is still (not sparkling) but a Vouvray can also be produced as a sparkling wine. This one is dry but Vouvrays can be fully sweet.
This is a full body fresh and fruity wine with a lovely texture or mouth feel from ageing on lees (dead yeast cells). Floral aromas, citrus, yellow apple, apricot, and mango – Wonderful (except if you are in the mineral camp!) The ageing on lees also brings flavors of graham wafer and yogurt. Sounds strange but it compliments the fruit so well. Think breakfast in a glass!
This wine sells for around $30 in Alberta here.
Serving & Pairing Tips:
It is said we drink our reds too warm and our whites too cool! This full body white should be served around 10 -14 C. So take it out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before serving it. Ideal to pair with fish, seafood (ideally served with mango salsa!!), grilled white meat, vegetables or Japanese food. Or on its own for happy hour! Santé to Vouvray!