Organic. As always, this was drawn from mature, 35- to 40-year-old vines rooted entirely in the limestone soils of Chavignol. The multiple sites are largely sloping vineyards on the lower flanks of the Chavignol hillside terroirs of Les Chasseignes, Les Longues Fins and La Rue de Vaux. Importantly, Boulay also includes fruit from his younger vines growing on the great hillsides of Clos de Beaujeu, Monts Damnés and La Grande Côte. The juice was naturally fermented and aged for nine months in tank on lees, with a small volume also fermented in a single large wooden cask.

“Youthful pale straw colour with a bright hue. Pure and aromatic nose with cut grass, elderflower, lemongrass and stone fruit. Bright and crisp palate with good layers, exotic fruit yet bone dry with a lovely freshness good extract and a long lingering finish with a slight salty sensation” Andreas Larsson, Best Sommelier of the World 2007.

As the vines have aged, the monopole Clos de Rougemont, from a small vineyard close to Tours, has even greater depth of flavour, and a delicious long dry finish. It is planted on pure limestone soil and vinified in barrel with a tiny proportion of new oak. A truly stellar Vouvray!

From the Loire Valley in France, this Domaine des Amoureux Muscadet Sur Lie is one worth celebrating. A burst of florals and citrus hits the nose, followed by a delicate pairing of lemon and white flowers on the palate, all undercut with a balanced acidity.

PALATE: Good ripeness, fresh and crispy dry white wine.