Le Haut-Lieu demi-sec 2022

Wine Description for Le Haut-Lieu demi-sec 2022 by Huet

Colour & Appearance

Medium straw yellow, clear and luminous in the glass.

Nose

A seductive bouquet that dances gracefully between fruit and finesse. Yellow apples, nashi pears and yellow plums form the juicy foundation, complemented by a caramellic sweetness. Above this float delicate floral notes and herbal nuances with a refreshing hint of lemon. Despite its density, the aromatics remain airy and characterful.

Palate

The 18 grams of residual sugar integrate perfectly into the ripe, juicy fruit structure – subtly sweet, never intrusive. The acidity remains elegantly restrained, whilst a deep, brightly luminous minerality carries the wine. Remarkable is the present yet refined tannin, which lends this demi-sec unexpected structure. The herbal-peppery note contrasts charmingly with the silky, creamy texture. A wine of intensity and concentration that nonetheless remains accessible and sensual.

Finish

Medium to long, with persistent minerality and a lingering note of yellow fruit and fine herbs.

Terroir & Origin

Le Haut-Lieu is the historic birthplace of the Huet estate, acquired by the family in 1928. The five hectares on the Vouvray plateau are 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, farmed biodynamically. The extremely heterogeneous 2022 vintage with heat waves and drought resulted in an exceptionally long harvest from 8 September through six weeks later – a record in the estate’s history. Meticulous hand-picking in multiple passes, spontaneous fermentation, ageing in used demi-muids. Malolactic fermentation only selectively in individual barrels.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Tarte Tatin with porcini mushrooms, Peruvian salmon sashimi with togarashi pepper, spiced lentil pancakes with mango salsa. The balance of sweetness and acidity makes it an ideal companion for Asian cuisine, terrines and mushroom dishes.

Special Features

The great seducer of the 2022 vintage – a demi-sec that unites complexity with accessibility. Despite the climatic challenges, the 24 harvest workers succeeded in producing a wine of impressive richness and elegance through selective picking.