Les Coteaux Tufiers Vouvray Demi-Sec
Like all good stories, that of Boutinot France is both long and a little bit complicated! Boutinot began as a tiny importer in 1980, specialising in French wines. After 10 years, the business had grown and Samantha Bailey packed her bags to set up an office in Burgundy. Today, Boutinot's French office has over 20 employees who take care of production across the whole of France, covering fresh whites and rosés from Gascony, mineral wines from Burgundy, and joyful varietal wines from Languedoc among others. They don't use any single model to source their wines; instead, a combination of sources are used, from large-scale, high-quality co-ops to small, family growers and single domaines, as well as their own vineyards in Cairanne and Saint-Véran. Drawing on the expertise of their four winemakers and a network of partner growers, They seek to deliver the highest quality-to-price ratio possible for every wine.
Boutinot source Vouvray Les Coteaux Tufiers directly from growers in the heart of the Vouvray region and have been doing so for over 20 years. Their old vine Chenin Blanc plots lie on chalky, tufa-laden plateaux ('Les Coteaux Tufiers') above the Premieres Côtes de Vouvray. Grapes are hand-harvested at optimum ripeness to ensure a good sugar level which is necessary for the Demi-Sec style. Cool vinification is followed by élevage on fine lees to ensure maximum concentration.
A deliciously off-dry style of Chenin Blanc with aromas of just-picked walnuts, a hint of lime and ripe melon notes. The palate is honeyed with cooked apple and agave. The sweetness is perfectly integrated and balanced, resulting in a refreshing wine with good length.
So versatile! On its own or fantastic with cheese (especially goat's cheese), and with fish - hot smoked trout or mackerel would work well, as would Thai flavoured prawns and any brightly spiced Asian dishes.
