Floral, if you’ve never tried a floral wine, I wish you
would. It’s something you have to experience to really grasp, but once you do, you’ll
“get it” and if you’re like me you’ll enjoy it from time to time. The Chenin
Blanc varietal is a wonderful example. Today’s Wine Wednesday feature, the 2014
Domaine Pinchot Vouvray Le Peu de la Moriette is from the Vouvray (Voo-VRAE)
sub-region in the Loire Valley region of France where the primary varietal
grown is Chenin Blanc. Thus, a wine labeled as Vouvray is most definitely Chenin
Blanc and from this particular region. The grape is widely cultivated in
growing regions across the world, but here, they made it famous or perhaps it's the
other way around.
If you prefer sweet wines and haven’t tried Vouvray, you may
discover a new love. Vouvray comes in many styles ranging from sec (dry) to moelleux
(sweet) to even pétillant (sparkling). The Domaine Pinchot Vouvray Le Peu de la Moriette in my opinion is
more of a tendre (off-dry) slightly sweet.
On the nose were hints of pear, honey, citrus (lime) and yes, those
floral notes. It had a wonderful slightly silky mouth feel with more than a
tease of sweetness on the palate followed by an assertive crisp acidity. If you
are new to Vouvray look for a demi-sec (semi-sweet) for your first experience
and then venture into your preferred direction but you may find you’re right
where you want to be with the demi-sec.
For food pairing try Salmon with Dill Sauce or Salpicao
(Brazilian Chicken Salad) To print or save the recipes, click the links below.
