Domaine Vincent Carême Vouvray Sec 'Les Clos' 2022

Winemaking

Vincent Carême is a respected vigneron in Vouvray known for his meticulous approach to Chenin Blanc and his commitment to expressing terroir through minimal intervention winemaking. He sources fruit from carefully tended parcels across the appellation and favors a restrained hand in the cellar, allowing the Loire's mineral character and the vintage's natural acidity to shape his wines.

Tasting Notes

This dry Chenin Blanc opens with inviting citrus and green apple aromatics, underscored by subtle floral notes that recall acacia or honeysuckle. On the palate, it's crisp and mineral-driven, with lemon zest and white stone fruit flavors supported by excellent acidity and a distinctive flinty minerality. The finish is clean and persistent, with that characteristic tension between fruit and stone that makes Loire Chenin so food-friendly.

Producer

Domaine Vincent Carême is a small, dedicated producer in Vouvray focused entirely on Chenin Blanc across multiple terroirs and styles. The estate operates with a philosophy of sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking practices, allowing the specific character of each vineyard site to emerge without manipulation.

Terroir

Vouvray sits on the right bank of the Loire River in Touraine, where three primary soil types—chalk, clay-limestone, and flint-rich tuffeau—create the mineral precision for which the appellation is renowned. The cool continental climate and the moderating influence of the river produce ideal conditions for Chenin Blanc's natural acidity and complexity. The Les Clos vineyard specifically is known for its flint-laden soils, which impart the wine's distinctive flinty minerality and structure.

Food Pairings

Try this with oysters or other briny shellfish, where the wine's acidity and mineral backbone will shine. A composed dish of sole meunière or halibut with brown butter and capers would be equally lovely. For casual pairing, consider crispy goat cheese crostini or a simple green salad with a Dijon vinaigrette.