Vouvray Sec Clos du Bourg 2023 Domaine Huet

The Vouvray Sec Clos du Bourg 2023 from Domaine Huet is one of the Loire's most treasured and anticipated bottles, drawn from the most emblematic enclosed vineyard of a domaine that ranks among the true references of French wine. Domaine Huet has always impressed me with the consistency of its wines. The Vouvray Sec Clos du Bourg strikes you with its sophistication and aromatic complexity. Rated 4 stars by Bettane and Desseauve and 3 stars by Revue du Vin de France, this is a legendary address.

The terroir of Clos du Bourg

This 6-hectare enclosed vineyard, bordered by stone walls and situated on the first slope above Vouvray church, is among the appellation's oldest. The dry Clos du Bourg is pure Chenin Blanc from shallow argilo-calcareous soils with a high proportion of tuffeau. This yellow tuffeau, the soft and porous limestone characteristic of the Loire Valley, is precisely what gives the Clos du Bourg its particular roundness, generosity, and minerality, distinguishing it from its two domaine neighbours, Le Mont and Le Haut-Lieu. On this slope, at the confluence of oceanic and continental climates, the Chenin vines express the land that sustains them beautifully. You sense the roundness of the Clos du Bourg's limestone. Vinification and ageing include fermentation in oak barrels and vats with wild yeasts, ageing in demi-muids and vats on fine lees, with no malolactic fermentation.

Tasting profile

This wine, with aromas of very ripe fruit, distinguishes itself through its vivacity and freshness, balanced by fine roundness. Well-managed acidity highlights flavours of quince, green apple, and citrus, underpinned by chalky minerality. The nose expresses itself with intensity and power. The terroir minerality emerges perfectly in this wine. You'll also find slightly smoky notes, pear, citrus, paprika, and mirabelle. The palate brims with energy and freshness, with beautiful tension that runs through the entire tasting and forms the wine's backbone. Very fine minerality from the argilo-calcareous terroir. This wine shows real richness and fine ageing potential.

The domaine

Founded in 1928 by Victor Huet and developed by his son Gaston, Domaine Huet is today run by Anthony Hwang, an American-Filipino businessman, since 2004. The domaine represents 35 hectares spread primarily across three properties: Le Haut-Lieu, Le Mont, and Clos du Bourg. Domaine Huet produces biodynamically on the Vouvray appellation some of France's greatest white wines. Young vintages should absolutely be decanted a few hours before service.

Food pairings

This Vouvray Sec Clos du Bourg pairs beautifully with scallop carpaccio with citrus, roasted sea bass with beurre blanc, or aged Comté. It will also harmonise well with wild turbot in beurre blanc, poultry with cream and morels, porcini risotto, or white asparagus with mousseline sauce. Served between 10 and 12°C, with 30 minutes to an hour of decanting recommended in youth, it will reveal all the purity, mineral tension, and depth of one of the Loire's greatest dry Chenins.