2023 Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Demi-Sec, Loire

Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Demi-Sec is a benchmark expression of Chenin Blanc from one of the Loire Valley’s most revered producers. Grown on the historic Le Haut-Lieu vineyard, first planted in 1928, this demi-sec is the sweet spot in the Huet range — a wine that offers vibrant orchard fruit and floral perfume balanced by crystalline acidity and a gentle touch of residual sugar.

The Le Haut-Lieu vineyard is known for its deep brown clay over limestone, which gives the wine a rounder, softer edge compared to Huet’s other sites. Fruit is biodynamically farmed, hand-harvested in multiple passes, and gently pressed. Fermentation is slow with native yeasts, often in large old oak, followed by maturation in neutral demi-muids. The winemaking is minimal to let the terroir shine.

In the glass, the wine opens with aromas of quince, pear, acacia, honeycomb and crushed chalk. The palate is medium bodied and layered, with notes of yellow apple, ripe citrus, honeysuckle and lanolin. There's just enough sweetness to round the edges, but the electric acidity keeps it finely poised and long through the finish.

Food pairing: beautiful with duck liver pâté, pork belly with apple, roast chicken and apricots, or blue cheese. Also superb with spiced dishes, Thai curries or a fruit-based tart.

Cellar potential: although in half bottle format it will evolve faster, this still has the structure to age 8 to 12 years, developing honeyed and savoury depth.