Viva Vouvray!

Vouvray. Just the name elicits a curling of the tongue and imaginary French wine drinkings, enjoy a glass at a sidewalk cafe. Located in the Central Loire region of Touraine, Vouvray comes in many styles: From fully sweet to dry; from still to brightly sparkling (Crémant de Loire). But one thing is true of all of these wine: they are all 100% Chenin Blanc.

If you’re like me, when you hear Chenin Blanc you think of one of two things:

1. South Africa

2. Old School California jug wine, sister to “Chablis”, in the handy gallon contains, now served on the bottom shelf of the grocery store wine aisle.

This ain’t your Mama’s Chenin Blanc!

With just over half of the production being sparkling, the chalmy soils of the region lend themselves to crisp and fresh white wines. Vovray is lively, and vibrant, with floral aromas, and flavors of stone fruit, candied orange and honeycomb.

The next time you are looking for an interesting white or a sparkler to celebrate Tuesday with, check these out:
2012 Les Chancelieres Vouvray — Clean and dry, with bright citrus and spice drops. Overripe apricots and Golden Delicious apples covered in nutmeg and white flowers. Fantastic with Thai curry! $12

2013 Guy Saget “Marie de Beauregard” Vouvray — Ginger ale and toasted brioche with fig jam, nutty finish with a buttery edge. A great bubbly with rich, creamy cheeses. $20