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A Guide to Vouvray Wine | 7 Best Vouvray Wine Under $30 for 2023
Vouvray wine is quite possibly the most versatile wine in the world. It can be made as a dry wine or a sweet wine, and it can also be made as still or sparkling wines.
The wine is named after the commune of Vouvray in the Loire Valley of France, where it has been produced for centuries.
Its versatility makes it one of the most popular wines in France, and it is definitely worth trying if you have never had it before.
Table of Contents
What is Vouvray Wine?
Vouvray is an aromatic white wine made using the Chenin Blanc grape varietal with high acidity.
The wine is produced by the Loire river in the Loire Valley and has a long history dating back to the 9th century. The wines produced in Vouvray can be dry, off-dry, or sweet wines. And they can be still or sparkling wines. They range in color from light golden to amber (for dessert wines).
This beautiful French wine comes in a pretty wide range. In fact, it’s the only other wine that can rival Riesling in versatility!
Vouvray wines are almost exclusively made with 100% Chenin Blanc grapes. Although 5% of Arbois grapes are permitted, it’s rarely used to make this wine.
So whether you are looking for a dry white wine to pair with dinner or a sweeter wine to enjoy as a dessert (noble rot), Vouvray is a great option!
Quick Facts About Vouvray Wine
- All Vouvray wines are Chenin Blanc, but not all Chenin Blanc are Vouvray wine! Vouvray is produced using the Chenin Blanc grape varietal in Vouvray, France (Loire Valley). But Chenin Blanc, in theory, can be grown anywhere!
- Store in wine cellars because it can age up to 10 years or even several decades!
- Vouvray’s annual production – 52% sparkling, 48% still
Vouvray wine has notes of apple, honey, pear, and citrus. Just before it fully matures and ripens, the fruit becomes highly acidic.
What are the Top 7 Vouvray Wines Under $30?
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Semi-dry wine – pale yellow with golden tones, delicately lemony with slight floral notes and hints of white and yellow fruits. It has a nice balance of freshness and sweetness – perfect for apple-based desserts, or you can drink it with your starter scallops or rich meats. Excellent aperitif!
Tasting Notes: apple, lemon, lime, tropical fruit
Pure and focused dry wine – a star wine made for a lighter fare! It’s juicy on the palate with a penetrating finish, offering a refreshing zesty flavor. Consider pairing it with your salad, roast chicken, seafood, or light, creamy pasta. Excellent to taste now, but even better after a couple of years!
Tasting Notes: crisp apple, grapefruit, honey
Youthful and delicious, still and dry, inviting to the nose, and refreshing on the palate. It has a delightful balance of flower aromas, honeyed fruit flavors, and minerality. Great aperitif! Try pairing it with lighter foods – white meats, simple fish recipes, and your favorite Asian dishes, including sushi.
Tasting Notes: stone fruit, minerals, citrus
Slightly off-dry with brilliant pale gold color. Experience the zest and flowers on the nose, followed by an approachable and balanced acidity and a fruity finish. It’s one of the most stylish Chenin Blanc in the region. Pair it with mild and soft cheeses, rich fish, poultry, veggies, or drink it later. Could easily age in the cellar for 20 to 30 years!
Tasting Notes: honey, lemon zest, apple, pear
Bright and fresh that’s chalky and spicy on the nose. Taste the refreshing acidity of this sweet Chenin Blanc with its natural sugar – lush and round on the palate. Somewhat tropical, somewhat citrus – simply delicious overall. Best served young!
Tasting Notes: apple, pear, apricot, honey, ginger, minerals, lemon
Dry, medium-bodied – a precise example of good dry Vouvray flavors. If you like versatility in your wine, you’ll love this one. Prepare for its laser-like, citrus-driven, tantalizing acidity. Delicious when paired with grilled prawns, avocado salad, or a simple crispy baguette with a spread of salty butter!
Tasting Notes: brine, apple, pear, quince
Distinctive Vouvray flavor – crisp and fruity. If you are looking for a crowd-pleaser, look no further! It’s elegant, silky, with a touch of mineral crunch – all ending in a mouthwatering finish that will keep you reaching for the next sip (or bottle!).
Tasting Notes: apple, pear, peach, minerals, lemon, honey
Where is it Produced?
Vouvray wine region goes along the Loire River banks in the district of Touraine, just east of the city of Tours, France (Loire Valley).
Vouvray wine region – one of the most respected and famous appellations in Loire Valley. The Mediterranean meets Continental climate in the Vouvray appellation which makes it well-suited for Chenin Blanc wines, along with the chalky soils the Vouvray region is known for.
Vourvay Tasting Notes
The wines are made with a wide range of flavors, depending on the style. Some have lean and dry tones while others can be fruity very sweet (especially if they go through noble rot).
The wines from this region are appealing when young with flavors of flowers, pears, apples, citrus, and nuttiness for sparkling wine; they then develop notes of candied fruit. You can also taste hints of apricot in the forefront while honey complements it all together beautifully!
What is Still Vouvray Wine?
Less than 50% of the region’s wine production. In terms of sweetness levels, check for labels:
- Sec: dry still wine.
- Tendre: off-dry still wine. Originally labeled “Sec-Tendre.”
- Demi-Sec: sweet still wine
- Moelleux: very sweet still wine
What is Sparkling Vouvray Wine?
Fermented twice using the traditional Champagne method – lightweight and aromatic. Look for labels “methode traditionnelle” or “Mousseux” – “petillant” for semi-sparkling Vouvray.
Based on sweetness, Vouvray sparkling wines can be:
- Demi-Sec: sweet sparkling wine
- Brut: dry sparkling wine
Related Articles
- 17 Favorite Sweet Red Wine
- Our 17 Favorite Sweet White Wine
- Ultimate Guide to Viognier
- Have you considered Sweet Champagne?
- Learn more about Port Wine
- Another great dessert option would be Ice Wine
- A Guide to White Zinfandel – previously one of the most popular sweet wines
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