Tuesday, April 6, 2010

2007 Champalou "Cuvee des Fondraux" Vouvray


Specs:

2007 Champalou "Cuvee des Fondraux" Vouvray

Vouvray (Loire Valley)

France

13% Alcohol

100% Chenin Blanc

$19.00

Notes:

The Vouvray region of France is dedicated almost exclusively to the Chenin Blanc grape and is known throughout the world for its production of naturally acidic and fruit forward white wines. The grapes used to produce this Cuvee des Fondraux are harvested from 50 year old vines in the region which adds to its complexity and rich flavor.

In the glass, the wine is medium in intensity with gold and straw hues. The aromas in this wine are intense and fruit forward with aromas of white flower, peach, pear, golden delicious apples and honey. On the palate these same aromas resonate on the tongue with some added minerality and hints of golden raisins and earth. There are some slight buttery flavors but nothing too major as I doubt this wine spent much time if any in oak. The flavors are fresh and ripe and are reminiscent of the spring and summer seasons. The crisp acid and sweet ripe fruits complement one another well and add to the complex flavors in this Chenin Blanc.

This wine is off-dry but still rather sweet for myself to enjoy with anything but itself, with an appetizer or with dessert. I would suggest pairing with a nutty cheese like Brie or creamy goat cheeses. For dessert I would match this with a fresh apple or peach tart and vanilla bean ice cream. This is definitely a great wine to pop open and celebrate the arrival of the Spring season.

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