Luisa sips on a fresh new wine for summer, showcasing the Chenin Blanc grape
The Loire Valley, the French region listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and known as ‘the garden of France’ for its scenic routes, is equally renowned for its gastronomy and wine. Its fresh, vibrant wines offer a quintessentially French experience, and this summer there is a wine which will literally be on everyone’s lips: Vouvray.
Pronounced ‘voo-vray’, if you haven’t heard of it before, you soon will. In 2026, Vouvray celebrates its 90th anniversary since it was granted the AOC in 1936 – Appellation d’Origine Controllée, which means it’s a quality wine. As well as quality, there is drinkability.
This is one of the most versatile wines you will find on the market, ranging from bone dry to luscious sweet, and from sparkling to still. As the warmer months approach, wine lovers will find a style which goes beautifully with lightly spiced food, a picnic, an informal barbeque or an aperitif.
Vouvray is made from just one grape, the Chenin Blanc, grown along banks of the Loire river in the area of Touraine. There are about 150 producers located in eight villages and all producing these different styles. The region’s unique terroir, characterized by limestone and flint, contributes to the wines’ longevity, with some legendary vintages capable of ageing up to 100 years.
The wine typically displays moderate aromatic intensity, with inviting notes of pear, quince honeysuckle and green apple. The hallmark of the Chenin Blanc is its fresh acidity, which ensures balance and longevity whichever the style. From relaxed afternoons outdoors to celebrations, AOC Vouvray is complex but not formal, a very accessible expression of Loire wines.
It’s hard to pick a wine as they are so good, but I did come across Chateau Moncontour Brut, a sparkling Vouvray made using the champagne method. It is fruity, crisp and refreshing, ideal as an aperitif but it also pairs well with seafood, poultry and cheese. It’s available from Vinvm, an online wine merchant at around £18 vinvm.co.uk.
Equally quaffable is Gilles Gaudron Blanc de Chenin Sparkling Vouvray Brut available from the Fine Wine Company, thewinewinecompany.co.uk, or seek out Empreinte Vouvray from Vignobles Alain Robert, available from Cachet Wines cachetwines.co.uk Both wines are around £18.
Domaine des Aubuisières ‘Cuvèe de Perruches’ is a pure Vouvray with a fresh nose of quince and pear, a palate of ripe apple and a lovely mineral finish. It makes a superb aperitif which will also partner well with the delicate flavour of salmon, or the gutsy flavours of cold cured meats. It’s available from Majestic stores at £14 majestic.co.uk
With an increasing choice of of Vouvray wines in your local shops, this is one of the most compelling white wines for the warmer months, set to define Summer 2026.
Also visit www.vinsdevouvray.com/en
Luisa Welch is a freelance writer and a member of the Circle of Wine Writers