Pale gold; peach, apricot, yellow apple, pear, grapefruit, white flowers, vanilla on the nose and palate.
Dry (sec); no tannins; some crisp acidity and a soupçon of enlivening bitterness (grapefruit?) on the finish. Round, soft texture; very smooth easy drinker. Light-medium body. Chenin blanc grapes fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel for three weeks. Malolactic fermentation is blocked. Aged on fine lees for six months for smoothness. 12.5% ABV
Vouvray is chenin blanc made in the French Vouvray appellation on the north bank of the Loire River, next to the city of Tours. The appellation was established in 1936. Vouvray wines are made exclusively with chenin blanc, which also is called pineau de la Loire in the appellation. Vines are planted in gravel and clay topsoil over local white limestone “tuffeau,” which, when needed, supplies water to deep roots.
Vouvray/chenin blanc can be, and is, made in the spectrum of styles—from very dry to very sweet still wines and into sparkling wine. Sweet wines often are made with grapes touched by noble rot. Sparklings are made using the traditional method of a second fermentation in the bottle. This effort is a dry, still wine.
Alain Le Capitaine started Domaine le Capitaine in 1988. His brother, Christophe, joined the operation in 1995. Alain’s son, Florian, joined the family business in 2013. The family focuses on chenin blanc, but they also produce a rosé using gamay grapes. The Capitaines farm about 70 acres. The vineyards have been farmed organically since 2008, and were certified in 2012.
Domaine le Capitaine Les Perrières Vouvray Sec 2022 is soft, very approachable chenin blanc with enough acidity and character to be interesting, if not complex. Delightful easy drinker you can just sip and enjoy without it taxing your mind or your palate. Dry, but subtle-nice fruits will enchant those who object to sharp, acidic whites. This is not an assertive wine, so avoid assertive foods, but it is a pleasant dinner companion for foods that exude dignity and reserve. Pair with seafood—shrimp; baked salmon or baked lighter fish; chicken nuggets, fried chicken; onion rings; grilled vegetables; garlic bread; salads and vegetarian fare; spicy food—Chinese ginger beef or Thai food. Cheese—brie, gruyere, mild cheddar, cream cheese, camembert. $23
