2023 Pichot Clos Berger Vouvray Demi-Sec, Loire Valley

Made from one hectare of old vines located above the village further north of the domaine and its main vineyards of Coteau de la Biche in the vallee de Nouys. Just 13 gms/litre of residual sugar. Beautifully intense and fine with great length. Demi-sec Vouvray is, after sparkling Vouvray, the most popular wine of the appellation and perhaps the most typical showing chenin blanc at it most perfumed and expressive with just delicate sweetness balancing the lively acidity and giving great length and also ageing capacity to the wines. Demi-sec wines tasted at the domaine going back into the 1950’s are simply a revelation and among the great wines we will taste in any year. The wine is so versatile with so many foods and also so delicious as a lip smacking aperitif there really is no excuse for this wine not being in every cellar and every fridge - the only limitation being that just 2700 bottles were produced in 2023..!!

Pichot Clos Berger Vouvray Demi-Sec from the Loire Valley is a superbly balanced Chenin Blanc that highlights the elegance and versatility of Vouvray’s semi-sweet style. Produced by the Pichot family, whose winemaking history in the region dates back to the eighteenth century, this cuvée comes from the prized Clos Berger vineyard — a parcel known for its deep clay-limestone soils that give the wine remarkable tension, depth, and minerality.

The grapes are hand harvested at perfect ripeness to capture the natural balance between sweetness and acidity that defines great demi-sec wines. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel and neutral oak vats using indigenous yeasts. The wine is then aged on fine lees, developing texture and aromatic complexity while maintaining purity and lift.

In the glass it shines pale gold with green highlights. The aroma is beautifully expressive, showing quince, white peach, honey, and acacia blossom alongside subtle notes of citrus zest and chalky mineral. The palate is medium bodied and silky, with layers of pear, apple, and honey balanced by vibrant acidity. The sweetness is gentle and perfectly integrated, giving the wine a supple mouthfeel and a long, fresh finish that lingers with hints of almond and stone.

It pairs wonderfully with Thai curries, roast duck with orange, mild blue cheese, or seafood with rich sauces. It’s also lovely with fruit tarts or simply as a contemplative glass on its own. Delicious now for its brightness and charm, it will continue to evolve gracefully for 10 to 15 years, gaining honeyed depth and complexity.