Le Haut-Lieu demi-sec 2020

Wine Description for Le Haut-Lieu demi-sec 2020 by Huet

Colour & Appearance

Medium straw yellow, clear and luminous in the glass.

Nose

Remarkably open and fragrant, this Chenin Blanc presents itself with an almost Moselle-like elegance. White and yellow flowers dominate initially, followed by Nashi pears, yellow apples and fresh apple must. Subtle notes of damp stone and herbs lend depth. Despite the aromatic abundance, the wine never feels heavy or lush – a dancing lightness coupled with seriousness and character.

Palate

The balance is simply exemplary: 20 grams of residual sugar and a vibrant acidity find harmonious unity, reminiscent of a noble Kabinett – despite 13.5% alcohol. Yellow-fleshed fruit, juicy and creamy, carried by finely chiselled acidity and fresh minerality. Here Huet’s entire art is revealed: tension and precision, intensity and density, without losing that dancing lightness of foot. The sweetness is present, but never intrusive.

Finish

Persistent and fresh, with fine minerality and an acidity structure that invites the next sip.

Terroir & Origin

Le Haut-Lieu is the historic birthplace of the Huet estate, acquired in 1928 and to this day the heart of the Domaine. The five-hectare vineyard lies on the Vouvray plateau and is characterised by deep brown clay with flint and chalk in the topsoil (locally called aubuis). The bedrock of yellow Tuffeau limestone lies four metres deep and imparts the wine’s characteristic minerality.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Chenin Blanc, harvested between 7th and 25th September 2020 – the earliest harvest start in the estate’s history. The sun- and warmth-marked vintage favoured off-dry wines. Meticulous grape selection, spontaneous fermentation and maturation in used Demi-Muids. Malolactic fermentation only in exceptional cases.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Blini with trout roe and crème fraîche, wild partridge pâté with quince jam and Sichuan pepper, grilled prawn kebab. Also excellent with Asian dishes featuring subtle spice or creamy fish terrines.

Special Features

A prime example of the elegance and precision that Vouvray can achieve in the demi-sec category. Biodynamically farmed, this wine combines drinkability with ageing potential – a wine that brings pleasure today, yet can also develop over the next 15-20 years.