Damien Pinon Chapitre XV Brut Nature Vouvray NV

Ingrid and Damien Pinon, the third-generation proprietors of this 22-hectare family estate, are situated in the commune of Vouvray in the Loire Valley. Having taken the reins from Damien's father a little over a decade ago, the couple has remained dedicated to the estate's exclusive focus on Chenin Blanc from their Vouvray vineyards while beginning the conversion to organic farming over three years ago now. The classic tuffeau soils – a sandy, fine-grained micaceous limestone enriched with seashell fossils – are characteristic of their land, contributing to the region's remarkable and unique minerality in the wines produced here.

This sparkling wine showcases that very distinct mineral edge while also boasting rich, ripe, and vibrant fruit notes. The grapes are harvested and vinified by individual parcel, ensuring that each lot is carefully separated and analyzed to understand its unique characteristics before the meticulous blending process. With a base of 2015, after nearly nine years on the lees (impressively long in the world of any sparkling wine, Champagne or not), no dosage is added at disgorgement to preserve the fresh and mineral qualities imparted from the grapes and their terroir.

Dry and fleshy, the rusty golden wine pours with a delicately fine perlage. Scents of Golden apples and pears, with unbaked pie crust, and hints of nutmeg fill the air intriguingly. Meanwhile, the palate is lofty and round, brimming with more flavors of orchard fruit, like the nose, but with added influence of saltwater taffy, rose water, orange cream, toasted almond, river rocks, and a finishing hint of phenolic bitterness, no doubt a sign of that signature Vouvray minerality. It’s a mouthful of freshness, overflowing with layers that make it a wine that is both commanding and vinous, and exceptionally food-friendly. For under $25, this is an amazing example of sparkling Chenin Blanc, and a wine to have a few of at your disposal for year-round meals and festivities in need of a pop of delight!