2024 Pichot Coteau de la Biche Vouvray Sec, Loire Valley

7 grams residual

On the limestone slopes above the Loire River in Vouvray, Chenin Blanc finds one of its most expressive homes. Domaine Pichot has been crafting wines here since the early twentieth century and today the estate is run by Julien Pichot, continuing a family tradition that stretches back several generations. The vineyards sit on the region’s famous tuffeau limestone soils, riddled with ancient underground cellars carved from the soft rock. These chalky slopes capture the warmth of the sun while maintaining freshness, allowing Chenin Blanc to ripen slowly and develop both richness and razor sharp acidity. Coteau de la Biche is one of the domaine’s prized sites, planted on well exposed hillside vineyards that consistently deliver fruit with purity and mineral drive. Fermentation and ageing are handled carefully to preserve the character of the vineyard, resulting in a classic dry Vouvray that showcases both the energy and depth of Loire Valley Chenin Blanc.

The wine shines pale gold in the glass with a bright green edge. Aromas are lifted and precise, offering quince, green apple and lemon zest with delicate hints of white flowers, wet stone and a touch of honeyed complexity that Chenin Blanc often reveals even in dry styles. The palate is vibrant and finely textured with flavours of crisp pear, citrus and orchard fruit balanced by vivid acidity and a chalky mineral line that reflects the limestone soils. It finishes long and refreshing with subtle savoury notes and a lingering sense of purity.

This style of Vouvray is wonderfully versatile at the table, pairing beautifully with fresh oysters, grilled river fish, roast chicken with herbs or goat’s cheese from the Loire such as Crottin de Chavignol. With careful cellaring it can evolve gracefully for ten to fifteen years, gaining notes of beeswax, toast and dried apple.