Marc Bredif, Vouvray, 2003

Recommended by Anat Sela of Giaconda, who claims it can age for decades. I'd thought it was the sweet Chenin Blancs of the Loire who are the marathon runners and I was suspicious of a commercial version by a co-op, but a few checks on Google hint she may be right and this dry version can age too. Imported by Hakerem, it should sell for 110 NIS (25 USD) in Israel. Buy two at that price or stock up if you find a discount.

Misleadingly delicate and fruity at first: lime and citrus on the nose, with hints of minerals and sweet spices, which echo on the palate, with a smooth, honeyed texture and lively acidity. As it warms and opens, the wine picks up greater complexity and intensity, highlighted by a green apple overlay, taking the lead from the lime and citrus, and a light pungency complemented by honey. Very harmonious and enjoyable. A great little wine.

I'm not going to hazard a guess at a drinking window. Really, I've found reports this specific wine can age for a couple of decades. I assume age transforms it into something else but since I haven't tasted aged Chenins, that's only hearsay for me. I have read 2003 was a very good dry Chenin vintage, so let's put it this way: a year or two would fine-tune this wine's current incarnation and it should last a few years afterwards. What happens after that is anyone's guess but no one thought the Stones would last 40 years either.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Indeed a very good value for money.
Indeed the dry Chenin Blanc can age forever.
Anonymous said…
Aged Chenins (dry or sweet) are something to die for.
Edward said…
Chaim,

Bredif release the same wine with 20 years of age, at the same time as the new release. (At least they do in Australia). Amazingly it sells for about the same price. A good low risk way of trying what a teenage vouvray should taste like.

Cheers.
2GrandCru said…
Well, not here they don't :(.