The grassy, riverside plateau in the appellation of Vouvray is dotted with sprawling vineyards and the most magnificent, ancient chateaux in the entirety of France. Perched along the right bank of the Loire River, across from Montlouis, this famous appellation is roughly two hours south of Paris. Cultivated since the middle ages, this historic appellation continues to be the source of the world’s most classic expressions of Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc from great terroirs like Vouvray, just like German Riesling from great sites along the Rhine, expresses itself in so many different ways, from sparkling to sweet to every grade in between. The fruit is ripe and expressive, but the natural acidity is so high that refreshment and energy never wane – as ripeness and/or maturity rise, acid does not fall, at least not as precipitously as in many other grapes. Such is the magic of Chenin: it can get downright oily without ever losing its edge. 

Vigneau-Chevreau is a certified biodynamic property with 69 acres of vineyards in Vouvray, all of them planted to Chenin Blanc. Directed by brothers Christophe and Stéphane Vigneau, the estate’s vineyard holdings also include a historic site called Clos de Rougemont, long associated with the nearby Abbey of Marmoutier (their single-vineyard bottling from this site is also worth seeking out). “Cuvee Silex” is textbook dry Vouvray, fermented naturally in old oak casks and left to rest on its lees for a good six months before bottling. The result is quintessential Vouvray, made in a dry style.