Le Haut-Lieu demi sec 2022

Le Haut-Lieu is the vineyard that forms the origin of the Huet estate. The Huet family first visited the village of Vouvray in 1928 and were so taken with the estate that now forms the winery, along with the five-hectare Le Haut-Lieu vineyard, that they acquired both and founded the Huet winery. Le Haut-Lieu is located on the plateau of Vouvray and is characterised by deep brown clay with a little flint and chalk in the topsoil. The topsoil is locally called aubuis. The bedrock consists of yellow tuffeau limestone and is four metres deep.

In 2022, the harvest began on 8 September and ended six weeks later (the harvest workers, of which there were 24 this year, have never harvested for so long). Heatwaves and drought led to a very heterogeneous ripening of the grapes. This meant that all varieties of Chenin Blanc could be produced, from the base wine for Pétillants to 1er Trie. As usual, the grapes were meticulously sorted, pressed and spontaneously fermented during the many harvest rounds. Malolactic fermentation only took place in exceptional cases and in individual barrels. The wine was matured in used demi-muids. The residual sugar in this 2022 wine is 18 grams.

medium straw yellow

The Le Haut-Lieu Demi-Sec is this year's great seducer! On a base of yellow apples, Nashi pears, yellow plums and a little caramel float floral scents and herbs with a dash of lemon. The wine is dancing yet dense and full of character. 

On the palate, you can feel the subtle sweetness in the ripe, juicy fruit. The acidity is elegant and subtle rather than demanding. On the other hand, there is a deep, bright minerality and a tannin that was barely noticeable in the Sec version. The tart savouriness is also more pronounced, while the texture is silky and creamy. This is an intense, concentrated Demi-Sec with fullness and complexity. And yet the wine remains inviting, easy to understand and sensual.