The Vouvray exit of the Chenin Blanc station the WineTubeMap tends to be a richer, more honeyed version of the grape with lots of apricot fruit and some nutty edges.
This is not a fashionably crisp and dry white for guzzling in large quantities in the garden (happily as that season appears to have passed). Instead it is a hug in a glass, to soothe and enrich you.
Chenin Blanc comes in many guises, and so, in fact does Vouvray. Ranging from the bone dry fizz to the unctuous sweeties you can have it all. This is a dry version (sec on the label), but it still has a suggestion of sweet things. Apricots, honey and a hint of floral combine with the apricot acidity and savoury nutty notes to create a mellow and smooth wine. Unlike those crisp summer wines this has a creamy texture which means it goes well with bigger dishes.
Many people who aren’t fans of South African Chenin love a drop of Vouvray, enjoying the richer, more textural experience.
Roast chicken is an obvious choice as drinking buddy, as is baked, meaty fish; hake or halibut would be delicious. It would also go brilliantly with the umami notes of japanese food, give it a gyoza or sticky rice dish and it will enhance the flavours and leave your palate refreshed.
You can often pick this up in your local independent wine merchant. It’s well worth it.
Things you should know
