2016 Marc Bredif Vouvray Museum Release, Loire Valley

Tucked away in the cool limestone caves of Vouvray, Marc Brédif has built a reputation on patience, releasing wines only when they begin to show their true character. Founded in 1893 and now under the guidance of Baron Patrick de Ladoucette, the house remains one of the Loire Valley’s most trusted names for beautifully aged Chenin Blanc, with museum releases offering a glimpse into how gracefully these wines evolve.

The 2016 vintage delivered excellent balance, with enough warmth to bring generous fruit alongside the naturally vibrant acidity that defines Vouvray. Sourced from vineyards rooted in tuffeau limestone, this release is starting to open up into something more layered and textural. Yellow apple, ripe pear and quince lead the way, followed by citrus peel, acacia honey and a gentle hint of lanolin. There is a soft, waxy feel building through the palate, but the line of acidity keeps everything focused and fresh, finishing with a subtle mineral edge.

At the table it has that rare ability to move between delicate and richly flavoured dishes. Think freshly shucked oysters with a squeeze of lemon, or grilled Moreton Bay bugs with garlic and herbs. It also handles more aromatic dishes with ease, like Thai green curry with prawns or a slow cooked chicken with preserved lemon and olives, where the acidity and texture play off the layers of flavour.

This sits in a lovely drinking window now, showing both youthful energy and the early signs of tertiary complexity, and will continue to gain depth over the next decade for those with the patience to cellar.