1989 Domaine Didier Champalou Vouvray Cuvee Moelleuse

Domaine Didier Champalou is in the Vouvray appellation in the Loire Valley, France. Both Catherine and Didier came from vigneron families, and both studied viticulture in college followed by working at estates around the world. But in 1983 the husband and wife team started their own 62-acre estate where they grown the region’s Chenin Blanc and make several styles of Vouvray, including dry, off-dry and botrytized, or sweet. About 10,000 cases are produced annually. The estate’s wines are extremely popular in restaurants in the U.S. and France.

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.