Champalou, Chenin Blanc, Vouvray Sec, Loire Valley, France 2023

Few producers in the wine world boast such a consistent record as Didier and Catherine Champalou, where each release is an honest and reliable ambassador to an appellation, a grape, and an entire region. The Champalous are masters of Loire Chenin Blanc, producing Vouvray in all styles; this still, dry rendition, aged in stainless steel, represents their flagship cuvée.

Gentle and refreshing on the palate, it boasts a delightful balance of stony minerality with luscious, almost honeyed fruit and flowery notes, making for a great apéritif or easy pairing with all sorts of dishes. Didier and Catherine love to cook, and they will often produce an aged bottle or two to serve with a creation from the home kitchen. Best of all, their daughter Céline has joined the domaine, so we can hope for another thirty-five years — at least! — of delicious, terroir-driven Vouvray crafted with heart and soul.