Le Haut-Lieu demi-sec 2018

Wine description for Le Haut-Lieu demi-sec 2018 by Huet

Colour & Appearance

Sparkling golden yellow in the glass – a Vouvray that already hints at its maturity and concentration visually.

Nose

Captivating complexity and youthful vitality in equal measure. Honeydew melon, ripe pineapple and quince paste meld with the freshness of grapefruit. Floral notes of acacia, elderflower and lilac join in, underpinned by flower honey and candied citrus peel. The profound minerality is accentuated by hints of fresh ginger and coriander – an aromatic fireworks display that showcases Chenin Blanc in all its splendour.

Palate

Fresh and lively with an elegant residual sweetness perfectly balanced by a playful, invigorating acidity. The bitter grapefruit note lends the wine a saline character and prevents any heaviness. At 13.5% vol., the 2018 shows power without sacrificing finesse. A wine at the beginning of its drinking window that benefits from decanting and larger glasses.

Finish

Persistently fresh with a mineral aftertaste and a delicate honey note that lingers long on the palate.

Terroir & Origin

The vineyard site Le Haut-Lieu was the foundation of Domaine Huet in 1928 and today encompasses 15 hectares above the Vouvray plateau. The characteristic deep brown clay shapes the wines with its typical fruitiness and freshness – a terroir that provides ideal conditions for Chenin Blanc.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Made entirely from Chenin Blanc, a variety that reaches absolute peak form in Vouvray. The demi-sec style combines elegance with substance and demonstrates the enormous ageing potential of this Loire legend.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Excellent with oysters with grapefruit segments, pan-fried langoustine with lemon-ginger butter or parsnip-Gorgonzola-fig gratin. The balance of sweetness and acidity makes it the ideal companion for fine dining with shellfish or spiced cheese dishes.

Special Features

A wine with considerable development potential that will gain significantly in complexity over the coming years. Chenin Blanc from Huet ranks among Loire references and demonstrates once again in the 2018 vintage why this domaine enjoys cult status.