Buy Wines of Vouvray
All our winemakers in LoireThe Vouvray vineyard covers the slopes of the right bank of the Loire over 2,200 hectares. In these vines, we find Chenin Blanc and Orbois as an accessory grape variety. The climate of its wine-growing soil is so variable that these white wines vary according to the quality of the years (117 000 hl/year). In a favourable year, the grapes are harvested late to produce semi-dry or sweet wines. Harvested earlier, it gives rise to dry white wines. When the years are difficult, the effervescent reaches the ⅔ of the production.
When vinified as sparkling wine, it is known for its lightness, freshness and finesse. As it ages, it can give off quince scents. As it ages, it is transformed into sweet wine or even sweet wine for some vintages thanks to noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). For this reason, these white wines are presented as exceptional wines for ageing that can last up to 50 years.
To the eye, the elegance of Vouvray is noticeable by its pale colour with green reflections. It has aromas of citrus fruits and white fruits. The soft Vouvray, on the other hand, has a beautiful straw yellow colour. It is gourmet with aromas of acacia, rose and nuances of fresh fruit. With age, the nose reminds us of apricot jam and honey. The effervescent Vouvray, with its fine bubbles, surprises with its brioche, its aromatic notes of hazelnut and almond. On the palate, it is rounded and fruity. A nectar, a perfect balance between acidity and sweetness that will surely delight your taste buds!
Vouvray wine is produced in the heart of Touraine. The production area of this drink is 2,200 hectares. It is located on the right bank of the Loire River, planted on magnificent hillsides. When the right conditions are right, the grape varieties produce succulent semi-dry or sweet wines.
A short history of the Vouvray appellation
Located in the Indre-et-Loire department, the Vouvray vineyard is a creation of the monks of the monastery of Marmoutier. Since the 13th century, this wine-growing area has planted Chenin B. It is considered to be the noble grape variety of this production area.
The Vouvray appellation area is located in Touraine, east of the city of Tours. It extends over 8 communes in the Indre-et-Loire. Its wines stands out from the others thanks to the well-drained soils and climate of this part of France. The terroir of the vineyard is made of different areas.
The production area is located on white chalk hillsides. It is also dotted with valleys crossed by streams that are tributaries of the Loire. The soils are covered with flinty clay (perruche) and clay-limestone sediments (aubuis). The latter give a powerful, syrupy and mineral touch to Vouvray wines.
The wine-growing terroir benefits from a temperate oceanic climate. Thus, winters are mild with rare snowfalls. Summers, as for them, are beautiful and mild, even if there is at least one hot period.
The visit of the cellars to understand the Vouvray appellation
The Vouvray AOC (Appellation d'origine contrôlée) was created in 1936. It is given to still wines (sparkling AOC Vouvray) and sparkling drinks (sparkling AOC Vouvray).
The still Vouvray wine is a white wine that can be enjoyed while it is still young. It can also give dry, semi-dry or sweet whites with various particularities. Dry or semi-dry drinks can be recognised by their bright, straw-yellow colour.
On the nose, they surprise with rose, citrus, pear and acacia aromas. When tasted, the dry white wine is rich with mineral flavours. On the other hand, the semi-dry white is fresh, tender and full.
The sweet Vouvray white wine is recognizable by its golden hue with amber reflections and its aromas of honey and candied fruits. On the palate, it has the same flavours as the semi-dry white wine. The sparkling AOC from the vineyard has the same colour. It is surprising with its aromas of brioche and citrus fruits.
To find out more about the production of this area and to purchase Vouvray wines, visit different wineries. The Ouche Gaillard estate awaits you in the commune of Montlouis-sur-Loire. On site, you will discover the secrets of grape growing. You will also learn about other regional appellations.
For an explanation of Vouvray wine, go to the domaine Paris père et fils. Located in Chançay, a village of the AOC Vouvray, you will get all the information you need.
Vouvray wine and food pairings
After a buying Vouvray wines, you wonder which dishes will go perfectly with your purchases. A dry Vouvray wine is perfect with seafood appetizers, fish in sauce or grilled fish.
With a soft Vouvray, prepare foie gras-based starters. You can also opt for a dish of blue-veined cheeses. For dessert, treat yourself to an orange gratin with chocolate chips.
Semi-dry Vouvray is an excellent match for fish, poultry and white meat. Chicken in cider will release all of its flavours. Finally, the sparkling AOC Vouvray can be enjoyed with desserts with white fruits or marzipan (for example the galette des rois).