France — wine
Vouvray
Capital of Chenin Blanc — most versatile white grape variety. Vouvray styles: sec (dry), sec-tendre (off-dry), demi-sec (medium), moelleux (sweet), pétillant/mousseux (sparkling). Vintage conditions determine which is made. Domaine Huet (three monopole vineyards: Clos du Bourg, Le Haut-Lieu, Le Mont — biodynamic since 1990) is the reference estate. A great Huet moelleux from a botrytised year can age 100 years.
Benchmark products
Vintage assessments
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 85 | Good year. Balanced conditions. Classic Vouvray duality (sec/demi-sec) both performing well. |
| 2022 | 87 | Very good. Warm vintage. Sec with richness unusual for Vouvray. Age-worthy dry wines. |
| 2021 | 84 | Good. Cooler year. Sec wines excellent — electric acidity. Moelleux less concentrated without botrytis. |
| 2020 | 88 | Very good. Classic Vouvray expression. Chenin Blanc's versatility shining in both dry and semi-sweet formats. |
| 2019 | 89 | Excellent. Sec and demi-sec in balance. Huet Clos du Bourg Sec of exceptional precision and mineral depth. |
| 2018 | 91 | Exceptional Vouvray. Warm vintage creating profound moelleux and demi-sec. Huet producing extraordinary sweet wines. |