Domaine du Clos Naudin (Foreau), Chenin Blanc, Vouvray Sec, Loire Valley, France 2014

When Foreau issues a “Sec” (and the decision to do so relates entirely to the vintage conditions and the composition of the grapes at harvest), the wine can carry from 1 to 2 grams of residual sugar but never more than 6 grams. Because of the vibrant acidity that accompanies these wines, the sensation one experiences is of drinking a scintillatingly dry wine, although one with considerable body and a honeyed texture.

Foreau's dry Vouvray often offers varietally pure white flowers and intense crushed chalk, channeling nakedly the fabled tuffeau which makes up the Clos Naudin’s soils. In some vintages, a complicating note of white truffle contributes depth to the intensely saline palate, often complemented by notes of quince or citrus fruits.