Domaine du Margalleau - Vouvray - Sec 2022
Price: $20.00
| Producer | Domaine du Margalleau |
| Country | France |
| Region | Loire |
| Subregion | Vouvray |
| Varietal | Chenin Blanc |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Sku | 0104400 |
| ABV | 13.00% |
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Brothers Bruno and Jean-Michel Pieaux are the fourth generation of their family to helm Domaine du Margalleau. The estate was founded by their great-grandfather, Georges Pieaux, in 1938 when he purchased vines in the village of Chancay in the Vallee de Vaux, part of the Vouvray appellation. In 1995, Bruno and Jean-Michel took over the 30 hectare estate from their parents, and since they have been making some of the most pristine and complex Chenin Blanc in the region. Their vineyards grow on the classic tuffeau soils of the region, a mix of soft chalk, clay and limestone. However, what truly makes these Chenin Blanc special are the stones of silex, a special type of flint similar to that found in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, that grace their vineyards, which adds an aromatic lift to the wines and strong, mineral core. Their wines are full of life and vibrant flavors, and though delicious when young, have the stuffing to age for a long time.
Domaine du Margalleau's Vouvray Sec is made from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes that are hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks. In the glass, the wine displays a brilliant light gold color. The nose is a complex mix of fresh citrus fruits, a steely, flinty minerality, and Granny Smith apples. With time in the glass, wonderful aromas of quince and apricot impress themselves, alongside notes of white flowers and ginger. The palate is clean and refreshing with crystalline acidity, filigree texture and a wonderful mix of wet-stone minerality, citrus zest, lanolin and stone fruits that lead into a long, lively finish. One of the signs of great wine is how it grows in the glass, and this Vouvray definitely develops complexity on both the nose and the palate after being opened — in fact, I would recommend decanting it for at least an hour and slowly drink it over the course of an evening. If you don't have a decanter, open the bottle in the morning to have that night, and don't worry about finishing it, the wine's actually better the second day! Enjoy with pan-fried trout, herb crusted pork chops or a plate of assorted goat cheese.
