Bernard Fouquet Vouvray Sec Cuvée de Perruches 2023 is a dry white wine from Vouvray, made from 100% Chenin Blanc. The wine comes from Domaine des Aubuisières, an estate around Vouvray entirely dedicated to Chenin Blanc and known for fresh, precise wines with depth. This cuvée beautifully illustrates why Vouvray is so beloved: ripe grapes give a subtle honeyed impression, while the natural freshness of Chenin Blanc keeps the wine crisp, lively, and elegant.
Vouvray is located in Touraine, on the north bank of the Loire, just east of Tours.
• Location / Origin: The Vouvray appellation consists of 8 communes, including Vouvray, Rochecorbon, Vernou sur Brenne, Chançay, Noizay, and Reugny. The vineyards of the village of Vouvray are situated in a bend of the Loire and are among the most beautifully exposed parts of the appellation.
• Vineyard: Domaine des Aubuisières has vineyards around Vouvray that are fully planted with Chenin Blanc. The grape offers various expressions here, from dry still wines to rich sweet wines and sparkling Vouvray.
• Climate & Influences: The Loire acts as a natural temperature regulator between the river and the slopes. This gentle air circulation helps Chenin Blanc ripen evenly and preserves the crisp tension so important for Vouvray Sec.
• Soil: A large part of the estate's vineyards is located on clay-limestone soils, and partly on clay-gravel soils at the edge of the plateau. Clay-limestone provides tension, minerality, and refinement, while clay-gravel can bring more volume and roundness.
This Vouvray Sec is all about Chenin Blanc, the classic white grape of Vouvray.
• Chenin Blanc – Vouvray: What is Chenin Blanc? Chenin Blanc is a white grape with naturally fresh acidity, great tension, and a strong ability to combine ripe fruit, citrus, honeyed nuances, and minerality. In Vouvray, this grape can be made dry, off-dry, sweet, and sparkling, making it one of the most versatile white grapes of the Loire.
The vinification focuses on pure juice, controlled fermentation, and extra depth through aging on the lees.
• Harvest & Selection: Approximately 90% of the harvest is done manually. Upon arrival at the cellar, the grapes are pneumatically pressed, with pressure precisely adjusted to obtain the juice evenly and carefully.
• Fermentation: The wine ferments in temperature-controlled tanks. By controlling the temperature, the fresh fruit expression of Chenin Blanc is better preserved.
• Aging: After alcoholic fermentation, the wine remains sur lie. What is sur lie? Sur lie means that the wine ages on its fine lees, which adds extra depth, texture, and complexity without losing its fresh style.
