2013 Domaine du Viking Vouvray Tendre

Domaine du Viking is an unusual name for a Loire Valley estate owned and operated by a Frenchman. But Lionel Gauthier, the owner and winemaker, changed the name of his estate from Gauthier to Domaine du Viking in 1989 after most of his friends started calling him “the Viking.” His nickname is apparently related to his blonde hair and robust build, which his friends though made him look Scandinavian. Gauthier makes Vouvray, usually in a demi-sec or off-dry style. Gauthier is a one-man operation, and every bunch of grapes is hand-harvested, sorted, crushed and cellared in his small garage.

Vouvray is on the right bank of the Loire River, in one of the most picturesque and photographed regions of France. It is close to the city of Tours and the many famous châteaux of the Loire Valley. The appellation takes its name from the commune of Vouvray and it was awarded appellation d’origine contrôlée status in 1936. The 5,000 vineyard acres within the appellation are almost exclusively planted to Chenin Blanc, though the white grape Arbois is permitted. The Chenin Blanc wines of Vouvray are noted for their naturally high acidity, and the wines can be made in a variety of styles from dry to sweet, and sparkling wines are also allowed. The wines are also notable for their ability to age. Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley’s finest producers are highly prized by wine enthusiasts with a taste for distinctive whites.

This light-bodied white wine grape has zest and versatility depending on its style. It is grown extensively in South Africa, where wineries produce dry wines. Traditional French Chenin Blancs are sweet. It is closest to Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.