Vouvray Sec “La Dilettante," Dom. Cathérine et Pierre Breton - 2023

This beautiful natural Chenin is part of the “Dilettante” project of Catherine Breton, who, with husband Pierre, is an icon of natural winemaking. There are four “Dilettantes:” a red, a brut Vouvray, a pét-nat, and this lovely still Vouvray. The Bretons have been farming biodynamically, and have been vinifying with minimal intervention for four decades. Catherine grows Chenin vines on her family plots in Vouvray. Clay and flint soils contribute to the wine’s spine of minerality. The wine is bottled the spring after harvest, which makes this full of youthful exuberance. In the glass, it gives off seductive aromas of papaya, beeswax, and roasted chestnuts. The palate is round, concentrated, and supported by brisk acidity. I found flavors of tropical fruit, limes, baking spice, and cider. It works very nicely with veggie or chicken curry.