Review: Wines of Vouvray, 2025 Releases

The Loire Valley‘s Vouvray region is synonymous with chenin blanc, which is virtually the only grape grown here. The grape is classically used to make very dry and crisp wines, but as we’ll see in this roundup of six expressions, it’s a versatile grape that can find a home in various styles of sparkling wine and even sweeter expressions.

Let’s dive in.

NV Domaine Vigneau-Chevreau Extra Brut – (Note: Extra Brut is sweeter than Brut, confusingly.) Tropical and lemony on the nose, this wine features a hugely creamy body that fills the mouth with an almost foamy effervescence, showcasing apples, lemon, and a slightly salty seaweed character. The tropical vibe continues as the finish comes into view, with some coconut elements adding a more beachy quality to the encounter. The light touch of sweetness is welcome here, adding a light lift to a finish that leans into crushed almonds and some of that coconut’s husk. My favorite of the sparklers. A- / $20

NV Denis Breussin Vouvray Brut – Light and summery, this gentle and dry sparkler offers a restrained apple character with a squeeze of lemon on top, at least until the fruit fades away, leaving behind a gently perfumed and flowery character. Hints of camphor and eucalyptus give the wine a springtime vibe, with peach blossoms adding a surprising touch of orchard fruit on the finish. Simple but pleasant. B+ / $25

NV Domaine des Aubuisieres Brut Zero – Zero dosage means this sparkler is as brut as it gets, and that description is no lie. Gentle notes of white flowers and lime leaf inform a palate that couldn’t be more ephemeral, a gossamer wisp of a wine that hints at fresh-baked bread, but perhaps a room away. While nary a bubble rises to the top of the glass once the wine is poured, it nonetheless feels heavily fizzy on the palate, a foamy carbonation with overtones of quinine and, vaguely, grapefruit peel. Too abstract for me. B- / $17

2023 Clos Thierriere Les Pleurs – This is a relatively simple wine, but one which is very refreshing, the perfumed white flowers evident on the nose balanced here and on the palate with layers of lemon curd and light touches of peach to keep the perfume in check. The effusive finish leans more tropical, with lychee elements bright and summery. While Vouvray tends to be very dry, this expression shows how chenin blanc can really surprise you sometimes. Stock up for warmer days. A / $32

2023 Domaine de la Fontainerie Coteau La Fontainerie – Initially extremely dry, this chenin blanc offering settles down with (lots of) time in glass to show off its more perfumed elements, dense with honeysuckle and a touch of camphor, with elements of orange flower honey clinging to the finish. The heady white flowers and eucalyptus notes keep the focus firmly on the garden here, making this a lively pick for springtime sipping. Honestly, this is a wine I couldn’t stop sniffing, even when I was done drinking it. B+ / $24

2022 Domaine Gaudron Vouvray Demi-Sec – A semi-sweet expression of chenin blanc, this wine shows off a fairly blunt spun sugar note on the attack, leading to a darker and earthier honey character that never really takes off. Light notes of florals, baking spice, and funky guava lead to a quite doughy finish, laden with notes of sweetened coconut. Never quite put together enough to work either with dinner or dessert. C / $21

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