Lacheteau Vouvray 2014

Moving toward the middle Loire, we get into a mix of grapes used to make sweet wines, dry wines, red, white, rosé, and even sparkling. As there are so many wines here, we’ll focus on just a few to keep things straight forward:

Savennières – Made from Chenin Blanc, this is one of the most impressive and cerebral dry white wines in the region. With a taut and grippy character, it contains floral elements, quince, tea, honey, and bright citrus.
Crémant De Loire – While it’s not aged as long as Champagne, Crémant de Loire offers a great sparkling value made in the same style as champagne. Bear in mind though, there’s a much large variety of grapes allowed in Crémant de Loire
Quarts De Chaume – Made from Chenin Blanc, this sweet wine get’s its character from the same noble rot that influences Sauternes in Bordeaux. They exude bright floral notes, stone fruit, and ripe apple.
Anjou-Sumar – Makes easy going rosé meant to be consumed over a meal.
Chinon – One of the best regions for red, wines are primarily grown from Cabernet Franc
Vouvray – Rich, elegant, and taut, Vouvray can be everything from dry to sweet. and exhibits dramatic acidity in all its forms. Plenty of flavor comes through with the acidity, and even the dry wines exhibit a honeyed character.

Vouvray’s knife like acidity means it has lasting potential, and it’s punchy flavors make it a nice choice for those looking for a food pairing. Can Lacheteau Vouvray make the case for a starter Vouvray?

Sight: A pale straw color that leans into gold.

Smell: A fun nose for certain, with a brightness that leads off. There’s a good smack of fresh pears and lemons, mixed with hints of creaminess and almond. Touches of orange blossoms, flowers, and stone fruit round things out.

Sip: The trademark acidity is in full swing with a balancing hint of sweetness. The feeling is fully rounded, full of honeysuckle, pear, almonds, and tons of lemon. The body is elegant, yet powerful, and walks a taut rope between sweet and bright.

Savor: Hints of honeysuckle and pear get brighter, but as it fades out, it leaves a lemon pith and almond residual note that gets increasingly nutty and toasty.

Lacheteau Vouvray is unbelievably delicious for the dollar value. The smooth combination of bright acidity mixed with full fruit flavors against a subtle sweetness is well balanced. Flavors are clean, well defined, and powerful. Fans of chardonnay will find a lot to love here. Bottom line, if you haven’t had anything from Vouvray, Lacheteau Vouvray is a great choice at a low price.

Verdict: Bright, Pear, Almond, Lemon
Rating: 88
Price: $7
Vouvray, France