Le Haut Lieu Moelleux 1ère Trie 2020

Wine Description for Le Haut Lieu Moelleux 1ère Trie 2020 by Huet

Colour & Appearance

Pale, luminous golden yellow in the glass, already hinting at the concentration and botrytis influence of this noble sweet Chenin Blanc.

Nose

The Première Trie stands out distinctly through its higher sweetness and perfectly sorted botrytis content. Whilst the characteristic vibrancy of the Le Haut-Lieu vineyard site is retained, a more concentrated aromatics emerges: pears, apples and quinces with a delicate must-like note, alongside oranges, persimmon and a delicate mushroom note. Herbal spice, light tobacco and chalk round off the complex bouquet.

Palate

Initially silky, caressing and opulent – the wine spreads across the palate. Then comes the exciting part: a vibrating acidity cuts through the ripe yellow fruit, lending the Chenin Blanc freshness and juiciness despite 71 g/l residual sugar. Notes of salted almonds and salted lemons make the mouth water. The balance between sweetness, acidity and mineral spice is exemplary of Le Haut-Lieu typicity.

Finish

Long, fresh and of impressive concentration, promising decades of development.

Terroir & Origin

Le Haut-Lieu is the historic original vineyard site of the Huet estate on the Vouvray Plateau. The soil consists of deep brown clay with flint and chalk (locally called aubuis) over yellow Tuffeau limestone at four metres depth. This geology shapes the characteristic minerality and elegance.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Chenin Blanc, harvested between 7th and 25th September 2020 – the earliest harvest start in the estate’s history. Meticulous sorting of botrytised grapes, spontaneous fermentation and maturation in used Demi-Muids. The warm, sunny vintage favoured the development of noble sweet wines.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Exotic ceviche with octopus, mango and papaya, steamed banana blossom with coconut rice, mirabelle tart with saffron ice cream, but also blue cheese or foie gras.

Special Features

The Première Trie represents the first selection of botrytised grapes and combines concentration with the typical light-footedness of the vineyard site – an age-worthy wine with great maturation potential.