Domaine Pichot is a 24Ha family estate in Vouvray on the right bank of the Loire, where vignerons dedicate their time to the cultivation of Chenin Blanc, locally coined ‘Pineau de la Loire’, to produce dry, sweet and sparkling whites. 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 a delicate sweetness balancing the lively acidity. Brilliant pale straw colour with subtle reflections of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. Pronounced ripe pear, honeysuckle and quince scents are followed by some baked apple and spice notes. Showing good intensity across the palate are rich, luscious pear and baked apple favours which mix with honeysuckle, musk and spice. Refreshing off dry finish with a long fruity aftertaste. Drink over the next 5-6 years. Alc. 13%

“Residual sugar 75 g/l. A richer golden hue than the wine just tasted – but as that was the 2009 Le Haut Lieu Moelleux it is not really a fair comparison, as we have jumped six vintages here. A very classic style aromatically, a little honey here, quite pure in character, poured over fresh apples, with a little biscuity richness to it. A very overt substance to the palate, polished, quite broad, open, feeling relaxed and a touch loose, a vintage effect I think. Underneath this rich flesh there is some quite fine acidity though. It really opens up in the palate and shows great richness and the acidity comes out a little more. It is certainly not flabby, showing some grip and balance, although it is very much a wine of the vintage.” 17/20 points Chris Kissack, Wine Doctor (February 2013)

“The residual sugar is 90 g/l, says Jean-Bernard Berthomé. The aromatics, despite the vintage’s reputation as a heatwave year, are spot on. This is classic evolving première tri Vouvray, a melange of limestone minerals drizzled with a a sweet honey caramel, intertwined with a wonderful citrus freshness and lift. It seems delightfully promising. The palate, I am happy to report, follows on from this first impression quite beautifully, the fruit and minerals resting on a bed of sweet caramel, and although this is not a vintage rich in botrytis I do detect a little note here too. The wine as a whole maintains a very fine balance too throughout. A very impressive, broad, imposing wine with a long and cleanly balanced finish. Delicious.” 18.5/20 points, Chris Kissack, Wine Doctor (January 2016)

The domaine of Marc Bredif is one of the most famous names in the Loire, renowned for the longevity and quality of his Vouray. The palate displays a beautiful balance between fruit, sugar and acidity with nice minerality and floral notes on the finish.