Domaine des Aubusières Cuvée de Silex Vouvray 2011, AC Loire, France

 

 

Pale straw in color, this wine is made with 100% Chenin Blanc grapes, with fermentation and maturation in thermo-regulated vats and alcohol comes in at 13.5%.

 

This wine opened up with aromas of peaches, apple, citrus fruit, minerals and light floral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, off-dry (with 12 g/L of residual sugar) with a mouth coating sweetness of ripe tree fruit and honey but well match by lively acidity. This Vouvray’s finish is long, with a beautiful rich honeyed texture and light mineral notes. This is the third time I have enjoyed this wine over the last month, twice before with friends and all of us were in agreement that this was well made, very enjoyable and a superb value. Strongly recommended, score 89 points.

 

Purchased May 25, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (057042) at $17.95

Marc Brédif Vouvray 2010, Ac Loire, France

This wine is 100% Chenin Blanc grapes with fermentation in stainless steel tanks and alcohol coming in at 13%. This wine is light gold in color and opened up with aromas of apple peals, lemon, pears, honeysuckle and light floral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, off-dry with a rich texture and bright zippy acidity. Very good length on the finish, almost creamy with loads of energy and honey coated lemon flavours lingering.

Chenin Blanc may be well loved by sommelier and connoisseurs but almost unknown otherwise, is well worth seeking out for its endless pairing possibilities (linguini in a cream sauce, seafood and roast chicken) and age ability. A classic and very enjoyable Chenin Blanc, strongly recommended. Score 90 points.

Purchased December 8, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (685362) at $19.95

Pascal Jolivet Sancerre 2010, Loire, France

This 100% Sauvignon Blanc was greeny straw in colour and opened up with aromas of grapefruit, lime, fresh chives, floral and mineral notes. On the palate, medium bodied, low alcohol at 12.5%, bright and edgy texture with racy acidity and citrus flavours. The finish is long, rich and refreshing. This wine is definitely made to enjoy with food like white fish, shellfish or grilled chicken salad with goat cheese. Very attractive Sauvignon Blanc, score 90 points.

Purchased March 3, 2012 LCBO New Release (264945) at $24.95

Marc Brédif Vouvray 2009, Loire, France

Looking for a wine to pair with a chicken dish with a rosemary cream sauce, I decided on Marc Brédif Vouvray, made with Chenin Blanc grape. This wine is medium sweet and opens up with citrus fruit, pear, apple, honey and mineral notes. On the palate, medium body (13.5% alcohol), with crisp acidity and creamy mouthfeel. The finish is long with honey flavours and citrus fruit lingering. A very refreshing wine which worked beautifully with this dish, cutting through the fat from the sauce and coating your mouth with refreshing flavours. Very enjoyable and strongly recommended.

This wine was purchased October 29, 2011 LCBO New Release at $20.95.