2010 PINON VOUVRAY 'SILEX NOIR' - THE APPLE OF MY EYE

Chenin Blanc is a variety that is sparsely grown in Australia. In its place of origin, the Loire Valley, it is the source of many long-lived dry, medium dry and lusciously sweet wines, as well as being used in many sparkling (mousseux and crémant) wines.

Vouvray, alongside Savennières, is the best known appellation in the Loire Valley for Chenin Blanc-based wines. As a general rule, the wines of Vouvray tend to be a touch lighter, lower in alcohol and more delicate than those of Savennières.

This particular wine, from organic producer François Pinon, emphasises the delicate and mineral side of Chenin Blanc, typical of the grape when grown on the limestone rich and flinty soils found in Vouvray. Bottled slightly off-dry, the palate, although delicate, possesses great drive and tension, with a suggestion of smokiness lending lift on the finish.

Although there is plenty, especially in terms of texture, to enjoy now, there is sufficient depth of fruit and fine acidity to suggest that the wine should be capable of developing further in bottle for several years.

2010 VOUVRAY ‘SILEX NOIR’ 
Producer: François Pinon
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Vintage: 2010
Region: Loire Valley, France
ABV: 12.5%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: $34.99
Date tasted: 30 November 2012

Tasting Note:
Bright yellow with a golden hue. Typical Chenin nose of over-ripe/bruised red apples, pear, marzipan, struck match. Slightly off-dry up-front, moving a textured, slightly chalky mid-palate, apple and pear again to the fore. Finishes long with fine acidity. Should develop well over the medium term.
Score: 16.5+/20