Le Mont Moelleux 1ère Trie 2018

Wine Description for Le Mont Moelleux 1ère Trie 2018 by Huet

Colour & Appearance

Sparkling, dense golden yellow with impressive brilliance – a visual promise of the concentration to follow.

Nose

This 2018 presents itself with captivating complexity: dried apricots, orange zest and quince dominate initially, accompanied by acacia honey and white chocolate. With air contact, a fascinating second layer unfolds of passion fruit and ginger. Elegant, dense, self-contained – a wine at the very beginning of its development.

Palate

Here the true greatness of this Moelleux reveals itself: the noble sweetness is perfectly balanced by a vibrant acidity. Beneath lies a penetrating minerality – the signature of Le Mont’s flinty, chalky character – paired with surprising salinity and spicy complexity. This tension between opulence and precision is the hallmark of great Vouvray vineyard sites. The wine possesses a texture that is simultaneously silky and taut.

Finish

Endless. The aftertaste lingers for minutes with notes of honey, stone and exotic fruits. A finale that not only points to extraordinary ageing potential, but also shows: this wine is barely opened.

Terroir & Origin

Le Mont ranks among Vouvray’s most prestigious vineyard sites. The nine hectares sit on the first plateau in a south-facing position, above the characteristic Tuffeau caves. The flinty, chalky soil over deep green clay imparts the wine with its distinctive minerality and structure – a terroir renowned for centuries for long-lived Chenin Blancs.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Chenin Blanc from the first selection (1ère Trie) of botrytised grapes. Domaine Huet, managed biodynamically since 1990, ranks among the icons of the Loire. The moderate alcohol content of 12.5% underscores the finesse despite high concentration.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Foie gras pâté with fresh apple, spicy Thai beef salad, baked elderflower with ginger-chocolate ice cream. The wine’s acidity and spice handle both rich and piquant dishes with aplomb.

Special Notes

Definitely decant or – better still – allow to age for several years. This wine will reveal its full grandeur in 10-20 years. Monumental stuff with colossal ageing potential.