Le Mont Moelleux 1ère Trie 1997

Wine Description for Le Mont Moelleux 1ère Trie 1997 by Huet

Colour & Appearance

Deep amber yellow with luminous, golden reflections – the colour of a wine that carries time and maturity within itself, yet without appearing tired.

Nose

The nose is simply overwhelming in its density and precision. Orange oil and dried quince open the play, followed by kumquats, candied fruits and a fine spice from light tobacco leaf, white pepper, turmeric and saffron. Despite this enormous aromatic complexity, the nose remains crystal clear and focused – a rare testament to perfect maturity without any hint of age fatigue.

Palate

The attack is juicy and of relaxed, almost casual texture – the youthful viscosity has transformed into a flowing, clear drinking experience. Lime zest provides aromatic freshness and tension. A fine, piquant acidity nerve keeps the wine lively and taut, whilst the sweetness is completely integrated and never feels cumbersome.

Finish

Long, powerfully mineral and characterised by pleasant warmth. The wine gains considerably with air and unfolds its full potential from large, open white wine glasses.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Produced entirely from Chenin Blanc, this wine comes from selective harvesting – the “1ère Trie” – in which only nobly overripe berries affected by noble rot are hand-picked. The result is a Moelleux of extraordinary concentration and depth at a moderate 12.0 % Vol. alcohol.

Terroir & Origin

The Domaine Huet in Vouvray on the Loire is regarded as one of the most significant addresses for Chenin Blanc worldwide. The single vineyard wine “Le Mont” comes from a south-facing site on the characteristic tuffeau terroir of the appellation – a soil that gives the wine its distinctive minerality and longevity.

Food Pairing Recommendations

The exotic spice and ripe fruit of the wine practically call for aromatically complex dishes: monkfish tagine with saffron, nigella and tomatoes, roasted partridge with onions, turmeric and kumquats or – for a vegetarian option – baked pumpkin with cumin, dukkah and couscous.

Special Characteristics

A wine that, after almost three decades, still radiates youthful vitality whilst possessing a depth that is unparalleled. The vintage 1997 brought extraordinary conditions to the Loire for noble sweet wines – this “Le Mont” is a shining testament to what Chenin Blanc is capable of in the right hands.