2008 Champalou Vouvray

Champalou is in Vouvray, in the Loire Valley. The 62-acre estate was founded in 1985 by Didier and Catherine Champalou. They grow only Chenin grapes and their flagship wines are their brut and demi-sec Vouvrays. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that “The Champalous’ dry and off-dry Vouvrays have become among the most frequently seen on U.S. restaurant lists and no wonder, given both their phenomenal quality-to-price rapport and their style.” He notes that the basic bottling is “sec tendre” or barely off-dry.

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.