Nicolas Brunet: The heart of Vouvray and Chenin Blanc
Widely considered one of the world's most adaptable yet overlooked grape varieties, Chenin Blanc truly shines in the Loire Valley. With its naturally high acidity and remarkable versatility, Chenin Blanc can produce wines ranging from vibrant sparkling to lusciously sweet dessert. While other regions, including South Africa, the United States and Australia, have produced exceptional examples, it is in its homeland of the Loire Valley that Chenin Blanc reveals its most diverse and captivating expressions. There has been a recent shift in the region's winemaking, with young producers embracing the grape's unique qualities and making interesting wines for the modern consumer.
Among the many producers in this celebrated region, Nicolas Brunet stands out as a champion of tradition, quality, and innovation. With a winemaking heritage that spans many generations, this family-run estate epitomises the artisanal approach, producing wines that reflect Vouvray's unique terroir and the intrinsic qualities of the Chenin Blanc grape.
The Allure of Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc’s acidity is the cornerstone of its ability to produce wines in various styles. Its high natural acidity makes it the ideal grape for sparkling wines, lending a crisp, refreshing structure. In dessert wines, this same acidity balances the inherent sweetness, creating wines that are rich and unctuous yet never cloying.
For dry still wines produced from Chenin Blanc, the range of styles created are even more varied. While entry-level expressions of the variety may seem straightforward, at its best, Chenin Blanc delivers minerally honeyed wines of incredible depth and complexity. These wines often have the potential to age for decades, developing layers of tertiary characteristics and texture over time.
In recent years, a new wave of winemakers in the Loire Valley has embraced Chenin Blanc’s inherent character, producing modern expressions that highlight its versatility, freshness, and depth.
The Nicolas Brunet Estate: A family of wine growers
The Brunet family’s roots in winemaking run deep, with nine generations dedicated to cultivating the vines of Vouvray. Today, the estate covers 16 hectares of prime hillside vineyards, each plot managed to highlight its unique qualities. The vineyards are planted on the region’s characteristic clay and chalk soils, which impart distinctive minerality and structure to the wines.
Sustainability and respect for the environment are at the core of the Brunet values. Minimal use of herbicides, nominal ploughing of the soil, and organic farming practices are all fundamental to their approach. A talented organic producer that makes ‘fruity yet powerful wines’ – in their own words!
The Wines: A journey through flavour and style
Nicolas Brunet Vouvray Silex: I love the dry Vouvray; it really surprised me with its full, rich flavours of quince and apple. Relatively light in body but with so much flavour to offer!
Nicolas Brunet Vouvray Moelleux Les Chapelles: The Moelleux is simply gorgeous if sweet is your thing! It has layers of baked apple and grapefruit; it is sweet but refreshing on the finish.
Nicolas Brunet Vouvray Cuvée du Paradis 1990: The Cuvee du Paradis 1990, now how often does one get the chance to enjoy a mature glass of sweet white wine? This is the moment, an incredibly well aged wine, from the cellars of the family estate, it has some savoury notes but still incredible flavours of figs, caramelised apple tart, honey baked pears. A real treat!
Nicolas Brunet Vouvray Bulle Nature: Elegant, dry (brut nature is a drier style, increasingly fashionable - very food friendly) with honey, minerals and pastry notes. Very Chenin-like!
Visit Nicolas Brunet
If you ever find yourself in the Loire Valley, a visit to Nicolas Brunet’s estate is a must. Nestled among the rolling hills of Vouvray, the vineyards and cellars offer a glimpse into this remarkable region's rich history and tradition. From tasting their current releases to exploring the historic cellars where treasures like the Cuvée du Paradis 1990 are stored, it’s an experience that will deepen your appreciation for Chenin Blanc and the Brunet family’s craft.
Why Nicolas Brunet wines deserve a place in your cellar
Nicolas Brunet's offerings are sure to excite whether you’re an au fait wine fanatic or just beginning to delve into the world of fine wines. The estate’s ability to produce wines across a range of styles, from crisp and dry to rich and sweet, means there’s something for every taste.
For those who value sustainability, the Brunet family’s dedication to organic farming practices and environmental stewardship is another reason to support this small producer. So why not open a bottle and experience the magic for yourself?
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